FIA Uncovers Visa Scam Involving FBR Officials; Investigation Underway
ISLAMABAD : ( by Naeem Mehboob ) The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration Wing has exposed a high-profile visa fraud scandal at Islamabad International Airport, involving passengers falsely claiming to be part of a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) delegation bound for France. The incident has triggered a formal investigation by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad.
According to the FIR, two passengers Muhammad Kamran and Aamir Shehzad—were stopped during immigration clearance while attempting to board Qatar Airways flight QR-633 to France. The passengers allegedly presented themselves as members of an official FBR delegation on a visit to the European Parliament, producing a purported government email to support their claims. The email was traced to Atiq-ur-Rehman Choudhry, Second Secretary at FBR, and referenced multiple delegation members and an institutional visit in France.
However, during verification, the passengers failed to provide any formal notification, travel authorization, or official appointment letters from FBR. Further investigation revealed discrepancies in their travel plans, including a pre-arranged trip to Spain immediately upon arrival in France, contradicting their stated official purpose.
Examination of mobile phone data indicated ongoing communication via WhatsApp with FBR officer Atiq-ur-Rehman Choudhry, who allegedly facilitated the misuse of official FBR credentials to secure European visas for private individuals. Bank records reportedly show the transfer of millions of Pakistani rupees into various accounts in exchange for the visas.
The FIA stated that the evidence points to a coordinated network designed to exploit government authority to gain illegal entry into Europe and potentially secure political asylum.
Both passengers were taken into custody and transferred to the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad. The FIR has been registered under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with violations of the Immigration Ordinance and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators are expanding the probe to identify other accomplices and beneficiaries involved in the network.
The incident highlights growing concerns over misuse of government credentials and reinforces the FIA’s commitment to combat corruption and illegal immigration.
