The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled a criminal network in Karachi involved in illegally issuing Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals using forged documents.
The operation targeted fraudulent identity systems being used to obtain official travel documents, raising serious concerns about document security and border control.
Authorities confirmed that the network was operating through manipulated records and fake paperwork to facilitate illegal passport issuance.
Raid Conducted at Passport Office in Karachi
Acting on intelligence, FIA’s Counter-Terrorism Wing carried out a raid at a passport office located on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
During the operation, officials recovered a large number of forged documents prepared for issuing passports to more than 70 Afghan nationals.
The raid also led to the arrest of Assistant Director Farooq Sial, who was allegedly linked to the facilitation of the illegal process.
Investigators believe the network had been operating through internal access and document manipulation within official systems.
Investigation Into Afghan Nationals and Document Fraud
Sources indicate that the individuals involved in the case were Afghan nationals attempting to obtain Pakistani passports through illegal means.
Authorities have launched further investigations to determine the full extent of the network and identify all individuals involved.
Officials are also examining how the forged documentation was processed and whether additional staff members were complicit.
The case is now being treated as part of a wider investigation into cross-border identity fraud.
Growing Concerns Over Illegal Immigration Networks
The crackdown comes amid increased government action against undocumented foreign nationals residing in Pakistan.
Authorities have tightened monitoring of Afghan residents following security-related incidents and concerns over misuse of identity systems.
Millions of undocumented Afghans have reportedly been repatriated as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
Officials have also intensified scrutiny of individuals attempting to travel abroad using fraudulent Pakistani documents.
Previous Operations Highlight Wider Network
This is not the first such operation targeting passport and identity fraud networks.
In a recent earlier case, FIA arrested 14 Afghan nationals in Peshawar for allegedly attempting to acquire Pakistani citizenship through fake documents.
During that operation, investigators uncovered a wider organized network operating across Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The suspects were reportedly paying millions of rupees to agents for counterfeit identity cards, which were intended for international travel, including routes to Saudi Arabia.
Officials also recovered fake Pakistani passports and other forged identity materials during the raid.
Possible Institutional Links Under Investigation
Authorities are now expanding the probe to examine possible involvement of officials within national identity and passport departments.
Investigators are reviewing whether internal facilitation allowed the fraudulent documents to be processed and approved.
Security agencies are also working to map out the entire structure of the network, including agents, intermediaries, and end users.
Wider Crackdown on Identity Fraud Networks
Similar cases have been reported in other regions, including operations by law enforcement in Peshawar where individuals were arrested for producing fake national identity cards for Afghan nationals.
Authorities say such networks pose serious risks to national security, immigration control, and document integrity.
The FIA has reiterated its commitment to strengthening passport verification systems and eliminating fraud at all levels of the process.
