In a significant crackdown on visa fraud, authorities have arrested multiple Afghan nationals over the past three days at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. These individuals exploited the suspension of visit visas for Afghan citizens, using forged medical certificates to enter Pakistan under the pretense of seeking medical treatment.
Upon arrival, many of the suspects reportedly sought visas from various embassies and consulates in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, intending to travel onward to countries like the United States and Japan. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered three separate cases—205/2024, 207/2024, and 213/2024—against those sent to jail following court orders.
While the visas appeared legitimate, officials confirmed that the individuals had entered the country through fraudulent means, which constitutes a criminal offense.
This recent operation follows previous arrests, including two key suspects, Ghulam Murtaza and Anjum Javed, apprehended on July 12 during a raid in Islamabad. This gang was involved in a massive visa fraud scheme that deceived over 350 citizens, promising employment in Greece and collecting over Rs 78 million through fake visas.
The FIA is urging citizens to verify the authenticity of job offers and visas through official channels to avoid falling victim to such scams. In another operation on July 6, a suspect named Owais Nazir was arrested in Rawalpindi for both visa fraud and human trafficking, further highlighting the ongoing issues of fraudulent practices in the region.