FIA Uncovers Fraudulent Issuance of 7,613 Passports to Afghans
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has revealed the issuance of 7,613 Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals through fraudulent means, following an extensive investigation sparked by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Details of the Passport Fraud Investigation
Saudi authorities handed over 12,096 Pakistani passports found in the possession of Afghan nationals to the Afghan embassy in Riyadh, which then forwarded them to Pakistan’s embassy for verification. Upon scrutiny, it was discovered that a significant number of these passports were obtained illegally after the foreigners acquired Pakistani national identity cards through illicit channels. The FIA’s inquiry unveiled collusion between officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Immigration and Passports Department, involving unauthorized access to sensitive NADRA systems and violations of official registration protocols.
Investigators identified the use of counterfeit family records and the assistance of verifiers to falsely document foreign nationals as Pakistani citizens. The probe also suggested that enormous bribes were paid to manipulate official data and fabricate family trees.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The FIR, registered on October 14, 2026, at the FIA Counter Terrorism Circle in Quetta (case number 01/2026), led to the arrest of Munawar Ali, a former head of NADRA’s Registration Centre BLN-MRV-41 in Quetta. He allegedly facilitated the issuance of identity cards for 31 foreign nationals, motivated by illegal financial gain. Following his arrest on the same day, Munawar Ali was remanded for an initial five days, extended by another six days after a court order.
The investigation invokes several legal provisions, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, NADRA Ordinance 2000, Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, Foreigners Act 1946, and sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. FIA sources have emphasized the gravity of the case, highlighting the damage caused to Pakistan’s reputation internationally.
Implications for Pakistan and the Broader Context
This scandal exposes vulnerabilities within Pakistan’s identity verification systems, raising serious concerns about national security and the integrity of official documentation processes. For Pakistanis, it underscores the critical need for transparent, accountable governance, particularly in agencies that manage sensitive citizen data. These findings serve as a reminder of the potential misuse of bureaucratic resources and the importance of stringent oversight to mitigate such threats.
FIA continues to examine the full extent of irregularities, including the roles of additional officials and intermediaries involved in the scheme. The ongoing probe aims to restore confidence in Pakistan’s civil registration system and curb the exploitation of its identity mechanisms.
