KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency claimed to have arrested 10 Iranian nationals on Thursday for allegedly acquiring Pakistani identity documents in connivance with local officials and agents.

An FIA spokesperson said that raids were carried out in different parts of the metropolis in which the 10 arrests were made.

He said the held Iranians had recently got Pakistani computerised national identity cards and they were planning to go to Qatar on Pakistani passports with the help of Pakistani and Iranian agents.

The official said the Anti-Human Smuggling Circle set up three teams and acting on a tip-off they conducted the actions and rounded up the suspects.

He said that the FIA had started inquiries and investigations against senior officers and employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

“Legal proceedings have been initiated and both Nadra officials and their agents are being taken to task. Recently, a deputy director of Nadra and an assistant director were arrested for taking bribes,” the spokesperson said, adding: “Despite warnings and pending inquiries, it is a matter of concern that Nadra officials / employees continue to issue illegal CNICs.”

The FIA registered a case against the Iranian nationals under relevant sections of the Foreigner’s Act of 1946 and Pakistan Penal Code.

“Certain disclosures have been made during initial interrogations of the held suspects and the FIA is contemplating to increase the scope of the probe from the union council level up to Passport Office authorities,” the spokesperson said.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2021