KARACHI: Two individuals attempting to flee the country with counterfeit passports were arrested at Karachi Airport, according to a statement from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The detained passengers, Muhammad Bashir and Rizwan Khan, were bound for Canada on an international flight. Their Canadian passports were discovered to be fraudulent following a rigorous inspection by the Secondary Line Office.
The fake passports presented by the suspects were found to be missing several key security features upon examination. The report from the Secondary Line Office confirmed the discrepancies, leading to the immediate apprehension of both individuals. Further investigations revealed that Bashir and Khan had acquired these passports from an agent named Usman, based in Wazirabad, for a sum of Rs. 10 million each.
In addition to the suspects, immigration official Muhammad Adnan, who was implicated in assisting the passengers, was also arrested. Adnan’s involvement highlights a significant breach in the airport’s security protocol.
The suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi for continued legal proceedings. The arrest underscores the effectiveness of modern equipment and rigorous inspection processes in detecting and preventing human trafficking. FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq commended the team for their vigilance and the critical role of advanced technology in safeguarding border control.
This incident follows a recent pattern of similar arrests by the FIA. Last month, three passengers, including an agent, were apprehended at New Islamabad International Airport while attempting to travel with fake documents. These documents, valued at over Rs. 14 million, were discovered in their luggage. The intended destination for these passengers was abroad, under the pretense of performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
In a separate operation at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, FIA immigration staff detained four passengers on Sunday. The group included three individuals trying to travel on fake visas and one arriving from abroad with counterfeit documents.
The Federal Investigation Agency’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and document fraud highlight the persistent challenges faced in border security. The recent arrests and seizures at Karachi Airport and other international terminals demonstrate the effectiveness of vigilant security measures and advanced inspection technologies in curbing illegal activities. The FIA’s actions reflect a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of international travel and protect against fraudulent practices.
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