FIA arrests official of interior ministry

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested an interior ministry official for his alleged role in extending visas to foreigners in exchange for money.

The accused, Muhammad Sajid, in connivance with some officials of a passport office in Karachi, was involved in forging visa extension papers for foreigners. According to a statement issued by the ministry, Sajid used to fabricate visa extension documents.

A few days ago, the FIA had also arrested two passport office officials, including an assistant director, for their alleged involvement in the case.

The scam was investigated after the interior ministry received a complaint that some officials of the passport office in Karachi extorted money from a foreigner for granting him an extension in visa.

Nisar took serious notice of the complaint and ordered the FIA to investigate the case and arrest both the accused officials. The minister also directed the FIA not only to recover the money that was extorted from foreigners but also to broaden the scope of the inquiry to identify other accomplices.

After this incident, the minister has withdrawn from the passport and immigration department the power to grant extension in visas to foreigners for a certain period. Henceforth, all visa extension cases will be decided by the interior ministry.

Source: The Express Tribune