ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 PIA may face action from UK authorities for letting two Afghan families travel on fake documents. FIA sources said that Heathrow Airport officials had complained to PIA's Karachi office about the families that had sought asylum shortly after landing with fake passports and visas.

Seven members of the two families had travelled by flight PK-785 on Feb 13 from Islamabad with the alleged help of immigration officials and a travel agent, the sources said.

The passports and visas had been arranged by the travel agent operating out of an office in the Saddar area in Rawalpindi. Five members of one family — Haji Naymatullah, Bakht Bibi, Naqibullah, Arifa and Saira — surrendered to the Heathrow immigration staff along with their documents and requested asylum.

Opinion

Editorial

War & deception
Updated 09 Mar, 2026

War & deception

While there is little doubt that Iran is involved in many of the retaliatory attacks, the facts raise suspicions that another player may be at work.
The witness box
09 Mar, 2026

The witness box

IT is often the fear of the courtroom and what may transpire therein that drives many victims of crime, especially...
Asylum applications
09 Mar, 2026

Asylum applications

BRITAIN’S tough immigration posture has again drawn attention to the sharp rise in asylum claims by Pakistani...
Petrol shock
Updated 08 Mar, 2026

Petrol shock

With oil markets bracing for more volatility, more price shocks are inevitable in the coming weeks.
Women’s Day
08 Mar, 2026

Women’s Day

IT is a simple truth: societies progress when women are able to shape them. Yet the struggle for equality has never...
Rescuing hockey
08 Mar, 2026

Rescuing hockey

PAKISTAN hockey is back to where it should be. Years of misses came to an end on Friday with a long-awaited...