In recent developments, it has been revealed that a significant number of Afghan nationals are using forged medical certificates to travel from Pakistan to other countries, circumventing immigration rules. According to officials from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the closure of Pakistan’s visit visas has prompted many Afghan citizens to resort to fraudulent means, primarily claiming medical emergencies as their reason for entering the country.
Exploiting Medical Visas
Since the suspension of Pakistan’s visit visas for Afghan nationals, there has been an increase in Afghans applying for Pakistani visas under the guise of seeking medical treatment. These individuals enter Pakistan, usually arriving from Kabul, and subsequently attempt to travel to other countries from there. They often apply for visas to the United States, Japan, and other nations, obtaining these visas from embassies and consulates located in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
However, rather than seeking legitimate medical care, these Afghan nationals use Pakistan as a transit country, from which they proceed to other destinations. The forged medical certificates act as a cover for their real purpose, which is to obtain international visas under false pretenses.
FIA Investigations and Arrests
FIA officials have intensified their scrutiny in response to this growing trend. In the past three days alone, nine Afghan nationals were arrested at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. These individuals had arrived in Pakistan on medical visas but were caught attempting to leave the country with fake medical certificates. The arrests occurred after it was discovered that their true intention was not medical treatment, but rather to escape abroad using fraudulent documents.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Circle of the FIA has been handling these cases. After thorough investigations, the Afghan nationals in question were jailed under court orders for forging medical documents, which violates both Pakistani and international immigration laws.
Broader Concerns of Visa Misuse
This revelation adds to a growing concern over the misuse of Pakistan’s visa system. Immigration officials have pointed out that while the visas held by these Afghan nationals are often valid, the fraudulent methods used to obtain them constitute a serious offense. Entering Pakistan under false pretenses to achieve ulterior goals, such as illegal immigration or human trafficking, is a criminal act.
FIA authorities are now working closely with other national agencies and foreign embassies to address this issue. The investigation into how these fake medical certificates are produced and distributed is ongoing, with further arrests likely as more cases come to light.
Historical Context of Visa Fraud
Visa misuse is not new to Pakistan, particularly when it comes to Afghan nationals, who have faced numerous challenges amid political turmoil in Afghanistan. As Pakistan shares a long border with Afghanistan, it has been a common destination for Afghans seeking asylum, business opportunities, or escape from conflict.
However, the pressure on Pakistan’s immigration system has grown significantly since the recent political changes in Afghanistan. With the Taliban taking control of the country in 2021, many Afghans have sought to leave their homeland, leading to an increase in fraudulent visa applications, identity theft, and human trafficking incidents. This trend has pushed Pakistan’s immigration authorities to tighten their controls and scrutinize visa applications more rigorously.
Previous Incidents and Legal Actions
This is not the first time Afghan nationals have been caught using fake documents to enter or exit Pakistan. Just recently, several other incidents surfaced involving Afghans obtaining Pakistani identity cards and passports through fraudulent means. In one case, it was revealed that NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) officials had been issuing identity documents to Afghan nationals by falsifying records and adding them to fake family trees.
In response to these ongoing violations, Pakistan’s government has launched crackdowns on individuals involved in illegal documentation and human trafficking rings. The FIA, in particular, has been instrumental in conducting raids and arrests, ensuring that those involved in such activities face the law.
A Call for Cooperation from Citizens
To combat these issues, Lahore’s district administration, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, has called for public cooperation. They encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Pakistan’s government, led by provincial authorities, is also pushing for improved awareness campaigns to inform people of the risks associated with illegal immigration and visa fraud.
while the use of fake medical certificates by Afghan nationals attempting to leave Pakistan highlights the desperate situations many face, it also underscores the need for stricter immigration protocols and international cooperation to prevent misuse of visa systems. The crackdown by the FIA signals a strong stance by Pakistan’s authorities in curbing illegal immigration and protecting the integrity of their borders.
