Visa scam: Rehman Malik directs FIA not to arrest Abid Chaudhry

E-Paper | March 11, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik. — Photo by APP/File

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to not arrest Abid Chaudhry, a central character in the UK visa scam who is associated with the Dream Land travel agency, DawnNews reported.

Malik reportedly directed FIA authorities to investigate the matter and present a report on it without arresting Chaudhry.

He ordered a report on the subject to be presented before him by Saturday evening and directed authorities to not harass Chaudhry.

Chaudhry’s name came to the fore when a British tabloid, The Sun, claimed to have unearthed a ‘UK visa scam’.

The Sun’s report revolved around an undercover investigator and a network of Pakistani agents – Malik Bashir and company known for sending people abroad on forged documents – with alleged links to the passport and identity card offices.

The paper said the officials first provided its undercover investigator with a genuine Pakistani passport in a false name. The information was backed by a footage of Abid Chaudhry (Dream Land’s travel agent) claiming how for around £7,000 he could get its man a two-month visa…and smuggle him into London 2012 as part of Pakistan’s Olympic squad.

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ABC

Jul 28, 2012 11:46am

Is there no law in this country? Does everything happen on the whims of these so called leaders??

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riz

Jul 28, 2012 11:39am

and why is that? do you mind telling the public? Dr. Malik?

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A. Khan

Jul 28, 2012 12:23pm

And the cover up begins....

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BNS

Jul 28, 2012 01:29pm

That's fair. Complete the investigation first and then if really necessary arrest the person if there rreally are proofs available.

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Syed Ahmed

Jul 28, 2012 02:12pm

Like President Asif Ali Zardar does he have immunity, under which law?

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Bhairav Khan Mia

Jul 28, 2012 11:31am

Please shift him and send him as a diplomat to USA. Good one!!!!

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Faraz Khan

Jul 28, 2012 02:53pm

Mr.Abid Chaudhry was seen on tape bragging about his connections, so why is he still not behind bars? What kind of message are we giving to the rest of the world, as it is our green passport is looked down with utter disdain even in GCC countries. Now the Pakistanis who travel legally will face problems because of these corrupt people. Sometimes I feel like we are just beyond repair, we need to dig up the foundations of this country and build all over again.

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Prakash

Jul 28, 2012 04:24pm

..........say what??

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@SecularPakista1

Jul 28, 2012 04:43pm

Malik is a political appointee. He should not interfere with any investigation. Mr. Chaudry can hire his own attorneys to keep him from being arrested. I hope the courts will smack down Rehman Malik, once again.

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