KARACHI: A Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) inquiry into the issuance of Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals has uncovered what officials describe as a “well-organised criminal network” allegedly involving facilitators, agents, identity document manipulators, and some officials from the Passport Department and NADRA.
According to investigators, credible information revealed that the network was involved in fraudulently registering Afghan citizens as Pakistani nationals in order to obtain passports illegally.
Officials said the group prepared and used fake, forged, altered, and misleading documents, including Family Registration Certificates (FRCs), computerized records, and other identity papers, to present foreign nationals as Pakistani citizens.
As part of the probe, it was found that a total of 72 Afghan nationals were issued Pakistani passports from the Awami Markaz branch of the Karachi Passport Office. Of these, 53 passports were processed by Assistant Director Farooq Sial, while the remaining 19 were processed by night shift in-charge Muhammad Baqar Raza.
Authorities stated that these passports were issued in violation of standard rules and regulations, with key information regarding applicants’ identity and nationality allegedly concealed.
Following the tip-off, FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing Karachi registered a formal inquiry and obtained all 72 application forms along with related records from the Regional Passport Office (Saddar), which were taken into custody on the spot.
Preliminary scrutiny of the documents revealed multiple irregularities, suspicious alterations, and a pattern suggesting a coordinated operation rather than isolated cases.
Investigators further noted discrepancies in several FRCs and supporting documents, raising serious doubts about their authenticity. In multiple applications, evidence of photo tampering was also detected, allegedly intended to conceal true identities.
Additionally, repeated use of identical contact numbers across different applications suggested the involvement of common agents or facilitators. Officials believe this points to a broader organised network operating in collusion with certain passport and NADRA personnel.
The FIA says further investigation is underway to identify all individuals involved and determine the full extent of the alleged racket.
