In a troubling incident abroad, Pakistani citizen Rajab Butt became the victim of theft in the United Kingdom when his passport and other valuable items were stolen from his car. According to sources familiar with the matter, the theft occurred while his vehicle was parked in a designated parking area. The culprits allegedly smashed the car window and managed to steal a bag left in the back seat.
Passport Theft Incident in the UK
The incident reportedly took place in a public parking facility. Rajab Butt had briefly left his vehicle unattended, unaware that it would become a target for thieves. Inside the stolen bag were not just personal valuables, but also his Pakistani passport—a critical document for international travel and identification.
Car break-ins have become increasingly common in some parts of the UK, with unattended bags and electronics often being prime targets. In this case, the stolen passport added a layer of legal and logistical complications for Mr. Butt, who was temporarily stranded without a valid travel document.
Immediate Action Taken: Temporary Travel Document Issued
Following the theft, Rajab Butt promptly contacted the Pakistan High Commission in London to report the stolen passport and request assistance. In cases of lost or stolen passports abroad, the High Commission can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)—a one-time use document that allows Pakistani nationals to return to Pakistan legally and securely.
After verifying the necessary details and completing the required documentation, the High Commission issued the emergency document to Rajab Butt. Sources confirm that he is now preparing to travel back to Pakistan using this temporary document.
This emergency measure is a standard procedure for stranded Pakistani nationals facing emergencies abroad. It ensures that citizens without valid passports can safely return home without facing undue immigration or legal complications at international borders.
Next Steps: New Passport Application in Pakistan
Once back in Pakistan, Rajab Butt will be eligible to apply for a new passport. The process will be carried out through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, which operates under Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior.
He will need to provide proof of identity and submit an application through either the nearest passport office or the online passport system if available. The new passport will replace the stolen one and restore his ability to travel abroad.
What to Do If Your Passport Is Stolen Abroad
This incident serves as a reminder to Pakistani travelers on what steps to take if their passport is stolen overseas:
- Immediately report the theft to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or high commission and inform them of the situation.
- Apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) with supporting documents such as your CNIC, photocopy of the stolen passport (if available), and the police report.
- Once back in Pakistan, initiate the process to apply for a new passport through the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.
Safety Tips for Travelers
To avoid similar situations, travelers are advised to follow these safety precautions:
- Never leave important documents or valuables in plain sight inside parked vehicles.
- Always carry essential items like passports, cash, and electronic devices on your person.
- When possible, store passports in hotel safes or use anti-theft travel pouches.
- In high-risk areas, avoid drawing attention to valuables or electronics.
While Rajab Butt’s passport theft in the UK posed a temporary hurdle, timely action by the Pakistan High Commission in London ensured that he would be able to return home without delay. The situation underscores the importance of staying vigilant while traveling and being aware of the procedures for obtaining assistance from diplomatic missions in case of emergencies.
The swift response and cooperation between Rajab Butt and the High Commission highlight how Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad are actively working to support citizens facing crises in foreign countries.
