Islamabad, October 17, 2023 – Pakistan has initiated an investigation into the issuance of Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals who have subsequently traveled to Saudi Arabia.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior expressed its deep concern regarding the issuance of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to Afghan nationals, some of whom have acquired Pakistani passports and later journeyed to Saudi Arabia.
The Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has sent 12,096 Pakistani passports belonging to Afghan nationals to the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In response to this matter, a high-level committee has been established, with the Director General of Immigration and Passports serving as its chairperson. This committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the issuance of fake or forged CNICs and passports to Afghan nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The committee’s key objectives, outlined in its Terms of Reference (TORs), include:
Ascertaining the lapses in the passport issuance process.
Determining if there was collusion involving various institutions to facilitate the departure of Afghan nationals from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.
Identifying the responsibility of officers within the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), IMPASS, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other relevant entities in the process, and recommending measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Proposing a way forward for improving the process in the future.
The committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior within 15 days.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passport has intensified its scrutiny of new and renewed passport applications to prevent such practices that could harm the country. It has also committed to a zero-tolerance policy for these acts.
The public has been urged to cooperate with passport issuance authorities and understand that these measures are in place to address the issue and avoid unnecessary delays in passport issuance.
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