FIA arrests Nadra officials for allegedly making fake documents for Afghan nationals

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) announced on Wednesday the arrest of four individuals in Karachi, including two officials from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), for allegedly producing fraudulent documents for Afghan nationals. The suspects are Nadra Assistant Director Imamul Haq, Nadra Deputy Assistant Director Fayyaz Ahmed, Junaid Ahmed (a Nadra watchman), and private agent Muhammad Umar Shah.

Law enforcement seized crucial records and evidence during the operation. The FIA spokesperson indicated that the investigation is expanding and anticipates further arrests of facilitators and key figures within the network. Preliminary findings suggest the suspects were involved in altering records and facilitating the issuance of fake identity documents for Afghan citizens. The FIA spokesperson also stated that initial evidence points to potential links between this network and terrorist elements, which is a subject of ongoing investigation.

“

Further significant revelations and arrests are expected during the investigation, and all facilitators and key figures linked to this network will be brought to justice.

The arrests come a day after the family of Fayyaz Ahmed reported him missing to the police, prompting concern from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which urged the Sindh government to locate the official. This incident occurs as Pakistan intensifies its efforts to repatriate Afghan nationals, a process that has gained momentum since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Previously, in June, Pakistan ordered the immediate arrest of undocumented Afghan nationals. In separate incidents this year, the FIA had already arrested Nadra officials in Chakwal and Karachi for similar charges of issuing identity cards to Afghan nationals.

“

Initial evidence points to links between this network and terrorist elements, a matter that is currently under further investigation.