Authorities in Balochistan have arrested three officials from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) for their alleged involvement in a large-scale fake passport racket that enabled Afghan nationals to unlawfully obtain Pakistani travel documents. The development marks a serious escalation in an ongoing investigation into identity fraud that has raised concerns over institutional integrity and national security.
According to officials of the Federal Investigation Agency, Assistant Director Syed Anwar Shah, Junior Executive Syed Akhtar Shah, and Assistant Director for the Chaman Zone Khawaja Waqas were detained on arrest warrants issued by Quetta’s Judicial Magistrate 7. Initial inquiries suggest that the officers facilitated the issuance of illegal identity cards and passports in exchange for substantial payments from foreign nationals.
Evidence of the scheme came to light when the Afghan Embassy in Saudi Arabia returned over twelve thousand Pakistani passports to authorities. These passports had been deposited by Afghan citizens who had travelled abroad using forged identities. Verification revealed that 7,613 of the returned documents were issued unlawfully, indicating extensive collusion between Nadra personnel and immigration staff.
Officials say the scandal has damaged Pakistan’s credibility abroad and highlighted systemic vulnerabilities within institutions responsible for identity verification. Investigators noted that the illicit activities went beyond passport approvals, involving organised networks capable of bypassing official procedures.
The latest arrests build on earlier detention of Nadra officer Ali Ahmad, who is accused of approving identity cards for sixty foreign nationals. Sources within Nadra also confirm that one of the recently arrested officers is under separate inquiry for allegedly selling citizens’ data, pointing to deeper exploitation of access privileges for monetary gains.
The FIA has termed the case a significant breach of trust, with potential implications for border security, illegal immigration and cybercrime. Authorities say further arrests are likely as investigators trace money trails and examine digital records to identify accomplices within and outside state institutions.
The case has intensified calls for tighter oversight and structural reforms within agencies tasked with identity documentation. Analysts argue that ongoing investigations can help expose long-standing loopholes, but institutional accountability will depend on transparent prosecution and stronger verification mechanisms moving forward.