E-Visa Scam
In a significant administrative shake-up, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has removed two senior officials from their posts amid a widening investigation into the Afghan e-visa scandal, which has already implicated several individuals in bribery and misuse of authority.
According to official notifications issued on Thursday, Shireen Hina Asghar, the Deputy Secretary of the Visa Section, has been transferred from her post. In her place, Shafqat Ali Chachar has been appointed as the new Deputy Secretary of the Visa Section. Meanwhile, Adnan Arshad Ulik, who served as the Joint Secretary for the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Section, has also been removed. Asim Ayub will now assume that role.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that both removed officials were allegedly linked to the growing e-visa scandal involving fraudulent processing of visas for Afghan nationals. The scandal has raised serious concerns over national security, internal vetting procedures, and the integrity of Pakistan’s immigration system.
The Interior Ministry’s swift action comes in response to mounting pressure following reports of corruption and irregularities in the electronic visa issuance system, which had reportedly been exploited by officials and external agents to facilitate unauthorized visa approvals for Afghan applicants.
So far, four suspects have been arrested in direct connection with the visa scam. These individuals are believed to have played roles in either orchestrating or benefiting from the fraudulent issuance of visas. In addition, a sub-inspector and a constable have been detained on charges of accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating illicit visa processing.
The Interior Ministry has stated that investigations are ongoing and that further disciplinary or legal actions will be taken against those found guilty. This case has prompted a broader review of the visa issuance process and the security protocols surrounding e-visa operations.
The scandal has sparked public outrage and reignited debate over transparency, accountability, and corruption within government departments handling sensitive immigration matters.
