Islamabad : The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration authorities carried out a major operation, foiling an attempt by a passenger to travel abroad using concealed documents.
According to an official press release, issued from the FIA Headquarters, Islamabad, a passenger identified as Junaid Ali was intercepted while attempting to travel under the pretext of performing Umrah. During routine checks, officials grew suspicious and conducted a detailed search of his belongings.
A Canadian passport was recovered from a diary in his luggage, where it had been expertly hidden in a secret compartment. Authorities said the suspect had attempted to pose as an Afghan national by using fake identification details.
Investigators revealed that the smuggling plan had been arranged by agents who allegedly charged Rs15 million to facilitate his illegal entry into Canada. The suspect disclosed that the amount had been transferred from Sialkot to Canada through informal hundi/hawala channels.
Officials further stated that the concealed passport and a bank card had been handed to the passenger by an individual arriving from Canada. Under the plan, the suspect was to travel to Saudi Arabia, discard his Pakistani documents, and then use the Canadian passport to enter Canada.
FIA Immigration officials at Sialkot Airport offloaded the passenger before departure and handed him over to the FIA Composite Circle Sialkot for further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that an investigation into the case is ongoing.
