By Mustafa Ali
ISLAMABAD:The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered a large-scale e-visa fraud scheme involving Afghan nationals. Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Information are allegedly involved in the operation.According to media sources, the Anti-Human Smuggling Cell of the FIA launched an operation in Islamabad’s G-8 sector, leading to the arrest of two Afghan nationals. In total, six individuals have been charged, while others remain under investigation.The fraudulent network operated from car showrooms in the same area. It provided Pakistani e-visas, including 10-day tourist, medical, and business visas, to Afghan nationals without going through proper immigration procedures. These services were offered at high prices, $750 for urgent tourist visas delivered within 24 to 48 hours, and $350 for other visa types.
