FIA busts passport racket in Kasur, 11 held in anti-corruption raid

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested 11 people, including a passport office assistant director and a Punjab Police constable, during a raid targeting an alleged passport racket at the Kasur Passport Office.

The operation was carried out by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore following information about suspected illegal activities involving employees of the passport office, private agents and a police official.

According to the FIA, seven passport office employees were among those detained. They include Assistant Director Muhammad Waqas, UDC Shahzad, Data Entry Operator Muhammad Ilyas, sanitary staff member Ghulam Mustafa and three security guards. Three alleged passport agents and Punjab Police Constable Roheel were also taken into custody.

Investigators alleged that the suspects were operating in coordination to extract additional money from citizens seeking passport services. The FIA said applicants were allegedly offered expedited processing in return for payments beyond the officially prescribed charges.

During the operation, FIA officials recovered passports, tokens, bank challans, receipts and other material believed to be relevant to the investigation.

Director FIA Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Zia said the agency was pursuing a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and the involvement of agents in public service offices.

Following the arrests, the FIA launched a formal investigation to determine the extent of the alleged network and identify other individuals involved. Officials said further raids were being conducted to trace and arrest additional members of the suspected passport mafia.

The FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore said action would be taken against anyone found facilitating corrupt practices or exploiting citizens seeking government services.