RAWALPINDI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested two officials from the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) unit for issuing illegal e-visas to Afghan citizens.

A spokesperson for the FIA stated that, following the directives of Director General Rifat Mukhtar, an accountability process is also underway within the agency. Two FIA officials involved in corruption and bribery have been apprehended, and a joint investigation team has been established to examine the matter.

The arrested suspects, including sub-inspector Waseem Ahmed and constable Aqib Mahmood, were posted to the AHTC unit, Islamabad.

The arrested officials had demanded a bribe from Zubair, the accused arrested in the e-visa case issued to Afghan citizens, during his physical remand.

The arrested officials had demanded bribe of Rs2 million in exchange for facilitating the accused during his physical remand, the spokesman said.

In exchange for the said amount, officials assured to send the accused on judicial remand. The officials were arrested, and an investigation was launched by a JIT, which is headed by Assistant Director Noman Khalil.

So far, six suspects of the gang involved in issuing illegal e-visas to Afghan citizens have been arrested, said the spokesman.

The arrested suspects include Abdul Aziz, Ahmed Sakhi, Atif Ahmed, Nader Rahim Abbasi, Abrar Ahmed and Zubair Ahmed.

A four-member JIT headed by Assistant Director Noman Khalil has been formed by the Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad to interrogate the arrested officials.

The JIT team includes sub-inspector Shams Khan, sub-inspector Shahryar and constable Mehdi. The JIT will conduct an impartial investigation and submit a report, the spokesman said.

Departmental accountability aims to cleanse the institution of black sheep involved in corruption and other irregularities, DG FIA Rifat Mukhtar said, adding that strict action is being taken against FIA officials involved in illegal activities.

Only through accountability in the institution will it be possible to eliminate human trafficking and corruption. Officers involved in corruption and malfeasance will be punished to the fullest extent of the law, said the DG FIA.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025