FIA Arrests Over 100 Passport Agents in a Month: NA Informed
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 18th Aug, 2026)
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary informed the National Assembly on Tuesday that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had arrested more than 100 passport agents during operations in the past month.
Responding to Lawmakers’ Concerns:
- Customer-Focused Approach: The minister stated that the government has adopted a customer-centric approach to enhance passport services.
- Improved Security Features: He highlighted improvements in passport security features and collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to provide passport services at all their centers.
- Action Against Facilitating Officials: Criminal cases have been registered against officials found facilitating passport agents, he assured.
Passport System Reforms:
- Online Application and Appointment: The minister mentioned the introduction of online application and appointment facilities for passport applicants.
- Addressing Delays: He rejected allegations of deliberate delays or withholding passports from people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and offered to examine specific cases upon request.
Commitment to Transparency and Improvement:
- No Discrimination: The government is committed to ensuring equal treatment for all citizens regardless of their province, he assured.
- Removing Fraudulent Identities: Efforts are underway to remove illegal and fraudulent identities from national records.
CNIC Suspensions in Balochistan:
- Clarifying Misconceptions: The minister clarified that no CNICs are suspended or blocked solely based on provincial identity. He cited cases of Afghan nationals obtaining Pakistani IDs through fraudulent means.
- Action Against Involved Officials: Some officials involved in record manipulation face criminal charges, while others have been dismissed.
Example and Implications:
- Surrendered Passports: Approximately 55,000 Pakistani passports held by Afghan citizens were surrendered in Saudi Arabia alone.
- Prevention of Foreign Involvement: He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to prevent foreign nationals with fraudulent Pakistani documents from engaging in terrorism or crimes abroad.
Invitation for Feedback:
The minister invited lawmakers to bring specific cases to the Interior Committee if they have concerns that are not being adequately addressed. He vowed to take action against any passport official found guilty of wrongdoing or preferential treatment to agents.
