ISLAMABAD A major visa fraud scandal has rocked Pakistan, as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) exposed a coordinated e-visa scam involving senior officials from the interior and foreign ministries, allegedly aiding in the illegal issuance of e-visas to Afghan nationals.

The FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle recently arrested two more suspects Nader Rahim and Azizullah Afridi raising the total number of arrests to four. Rahim is reportedly associated with a government institution’s Press Information Department, while Afridi’s bank account was used to conduct financial transactions linked to Afghan nationals acquiring unauthorized visas.

Earlier, Afghan nationals Atif and Ahmed Zeb were apprehended for residing illegally in Pakistan. During interrogation, both suspects provided crucial details implicating government officials and private agents in a well-organized visa fraud network.

The FIA has identified two key suspects still at large: Samiullah Afridi, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Malik Muneeb, a private agent suspected of facilitating fake e-visa approvals. Raids are underway to locate and arrest them.

According to investigation insiders, credible evidence shows direct involvement of Ministry of Interior officials who manipulated the visa approval process, bypassing standard security checks and procedures.

“This is more than a case of corruption it’s an organized operation that compromised immigration integrity through official channels,” an FIA official stated.

The FIA has initiated a comprehensive review of e-visa records from the past year, aiming to trace further irregularities and potential beneficiaries. Investigators are also following the money trail, especially transactions routed through Afridi’s account, to map the full extent of the operation.

This unfolding scandal raises serious concerns about immigration security, systemic corruption, and the urgent need for digital oversight in Pakistan’s visa processing systems.