GUJRAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (Gujrat circle) has booked nine suspects, including the head of the Mandi Bahauddin passport office, for being involved in corrupt practices.

The agency presented seven suspects in local court and sought their physical remand. Judge Tahzeebul Hassan handed over the suspects to FIA on five days physical remand.

An FIA Gujrat team had earlier detained 11 suspects, mostly private agents and some officials, during a raid at the Mandi Bahauddin passport office on Friday. A day later, it confirmed the arrest of seven suspects, including in charge Muhammad Sharif.

Sources said four were set free after a probe. An FIA spokesman said the arrested were found extorting money from innocent citizens by falsely promising expedited processing and issuance of passports.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2025