KARACHI: In a major breakthrough, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Counter Terrorism Wing, in coordination with a sensitive intelligence agency, has dismantled a network operating from Gulistan-e-Jauhar that was illegally issuing Pakistani identity cards to foreign nationals.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly involved in fraudulently including foreigners into Pakistani family trees to procure Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). According to FIA sources, the network had successfully issued illegal identity cards to more than 40 Afghan nationals.
Investigators revealed that the suspects charged a hefty bribe of Rs. 950,000 per identity card, making millions in illicit profits. Both arrested individuals are believed to be agents, with the FIA confirming that a manhunt is underway to apprehend other operatives linked to the racket.
Officials stated that the network has a widespread footprint across major cities, with operatives reportedly active in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. The development has raised serious concerns about national security and the integrity of the country’s identification database.
A formal case has been registered against the two suspects, and authorities have seized documents, electronic devices, and other incriminating evidence from their possession. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the full scale of the operation and any potential links to broader security threats.
