Former NADRA assistant director arrested for issuing Pakistani CNIC to Iranian national: FIA

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a former Assistant Director of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)

KARACHI:  The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a former Assistant Director of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) over his alleged involvement in illegally facilitating the issuance of Pakistani identity documents to an Iranian national, exposing another case of suspected misuse of the country’s national registration system.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the arrest was made by the Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) Karachi in connection with FIR No. 273/2026. The arrested suspect has been identified as Zia-ul-Haq Arain, who previously served as Assistant Director (Technical) at NADRA Mega Centre, Siemens Chowrangi, Karachi.

The former NADRA official is accused of facilitating the processing of a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) for an Iranian citizen, identified as Muhammad Akbar, by allegedly portraying him as a Pakistani national.

Investigators believe the case involves an organised attempt to obtain Pakistani identity documents through illegal channels, raising concerns about the possible involvement of individuals within the relevant registration system and external facilitators.

Iranian Nationals Caught at Karachi Airport:

The investigation initially began after two passengers were intercepted by immigration officials at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, while attempting to travel to Qatar using Pakistani passports.

According to the FIA, the passengers came under suspicion during routine immigration clearance when officials questioned the authenticity of their claimed Pakistani nationality.

During preliminary questioning, both individuals reportedly admitted that they were Iranian nationals by birth and had acquired Pakistani identity documents through unlawful means after paying money.

Their statements prompted further investigation into the process through which foreign nationals had managed to obtain Pakistani CNICs and passports. The inquiry subsequently led investigators to examine NADRA records and identify individuals who may have assisted in processing the documents.

During the course of the investigation, the alleged involvement of former Assistant Director Zia-ul-Haq Arain surfaced, particularly concerning the processing of Muhammad Akbar’s CNIC. Following these findings, the FIA team arrested the former official for further questioning and investigation.

Investigation Underway to Identify Other Suspects:

The FIA has launched a detailed investigation to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal issuance of Pakistani identity documents. Investigators are examining the relevant registration records, supporting documentation and official NADRA data to determine how the CNIC was processed and whether established verification procedures were deliberately bypassed.

Authorities are also working to establish the extent of the arrested officer’s alleged involvement and determine whether other NADRA officials, private agents or intermediaries played any role in facilitating the process.

The investigation is being expanded to trace the possible network responsible for arranging Pakistani identity documents for foreign nationals in exchange for money. Officials are expected to scrutinise the records associated with the individuals identified during the airport incident to uncover any additional irregularities.

The FIA AHTC Karachi has reiterated its commitment to taking legal action against individuals involved in the fraudulent acquisition and illegal issuance of Pakistani identity documents.

The agency continues to investigate the case to identify all those allegedly involved and bring the responsible individuals to justice in accordance with the law.