fia arrests passport
|

FIA arrests 15 passport agents in crackdown outside regional passport offices

GUJRANWALA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has arrested 15 alleged agents during a coordinated crackdown on individuals operating outside passport offices in Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot, accusing them of illegally charging citizens by promising expedited passport processing.
The operation was launched on the directions of FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar and the Director FIA Gujranwala Zone, according to an FIA spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the suspects allegedly lured applicants by claiming they could secure passports quickly in exchange for money. Preliminary investigations have also indicated the alleged involvement of some passport office officials, and further inquiries are underway to determine their role.
According to the FIA, seven suspects were arrested by the Gujranwala Circle, three by the Gujrat Circle and five by the Sialkot Circle.
Those arrested in Gujranwala were identified as Hafiz Ayub, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Tariq, Ali Hassan, Muhammad Asad, Jamshed Ali and Sajjad Ali. An FIR (No. 578/2026), dated July 22, 2026, has been registered against them under Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1974, along with Sections 419, 420 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
In Gujrat, FIA officials conducted a raid outside the Passport Office in Mandi Bahauddin and arrested Zahid Iqbal, Zubair Aslam and Shahroz Ali. An FIR (No. 03/2026 ACC), dated July 22, 2026, has been registered against them under Sections 419 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The FIA said five more suspects were arrested by the Sialkot Circle, where separate cases have also been registered under relevant legal provisions. Their identities were not disclosed in the press release.
The agency said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the network and examine the alleged involvement of officials who may have facilitated the illegal activities.
The FIA urged the public not to approach unauthorized agents for passports or other government services. Citizens have been advised to deal directly with the relevant government offices and report anyone demanding money or offering illegal facilitation so that legal action can be taken.
An FIA spokesperson said the agency would continue its crackdown against agents exploiting citizens and those involved in corruption related to public services.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Sam Smith reveals how Christian Cowan inspired new…

    Sam Smith is entering a new musical era, and this time, love is at the center of it. The Grammy-winning singer recently opened up about their upcoming fifth studio album, Hazel Eyes, revealing that much of the record was inspired by their relationship with fiancé Christian Cowan. Smith discussed the deeply personal project during an appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour on August 11. [WNYC](https://wnyc.org/browse/shows/episode/simplecast/0952c9d3-73c5-47c0-a19f-950b525afeb7?utm_source=chatgpt.com) For Smith, the new album represents a major change from their earlier work. Their breakthrough album, In the Lonely Hour, became famous for songsa about heartbreak and unrequited love. This time, however, Smith is writing from a place of happiness and mutual love. The singer explained that Cowan has been extremely supportive throughout the creative process. Smith described the fashion designer as someone who encouraged them while they worked on the record. The album is especially personal because Smith considers it a love letter to Cowan and the relationship they are building together. However, they also admitted that sharing such intimate feelings through music can be difficult. Smith said there was a balance between deciding how much of their relationship to reveal and protecting something that remains private. That tension became part of the process of creating the album. Even the album title carries a connection to Cowan. Hazel Eyes is named after the designer’s eye color, making the title itself a subtle tribute to Smith’s fiancé. The record is scheduled for release on August 21. [People\.com](https://people.com/sam-smith-says-new-album-is-love-letter-to-fiance-christian-cowan-12058496?utm_source=chatgpt.com) One of the most meaningful songs on the project is “Everlasting Love.” Smith began writing the track shortly before their first date with Cowan, making it particularly significant in the story of their relationship. The song also represents a new experience for Smith because it focuses on love that is returned rather than one-sided. [People\.com](https://people.com/sam-smith-says-new-album-is-love-letter-to-fiance-christian-cowan-12058496?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Smith and Cowan have been together for several years and confirmed their engagement in July 2026. Their relationship has increasingly become an important source of inspiration for Smith’s art, while the couple has continued to protect many details of their private life. [People\.com](https://people.com/sam-smith-is-engaged-to-christian-cowan-11968083?utm_source=chatgpt.com) The upcoming album therefore marks more than a new chapter in Smith’s music career. It reflects a different emotional perspective, one shaped by stability, joy and being loved in return. After years of singing about heartbreak, Smith is now turning their happiest relationship into music. And with Cowan’s support throughout the process, Hazel Eyes promises to offer fans a more intimate and hopeful side of the singer.

  • | |

    Ariana Grande takes legal action after alleged the…

    Ariana Grande is taking a firm stand against the unauthorized leaks of her unreleased music and private creative materials. The Grammy-winning singer has filed a lawsuit against unidentified individuals, accusing them of orchestrating a years-long hacking campaign that targeted people within her professional circle and resulted in the release of confidential content never meant for the public.  According to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 27, Grande’s lawsuit names John Doe 1 and John Does 2 through 100 as defendants. The singer alleges that the individuals illegally accessed digital accounts belonging to photographers, producers and other close collaborators through phishing schemes and other hacking methods. The complaint claims the hackers stole unreleased songs, photographs, videos and audio recordings documenting Grande’s creative process.  Grande’s legal team argues that the stolen files were never intended for public release and that some of the material was sold on the dark web for significant amounts of money. The lawsuit further claims that 45 unreleased songs were leaked in 2023 alone and that hundreds of similar leaks have affected the singer since the beginning of her music career in 2011. According to the complaint, the repeated breaches have caused “substantial and irreparable harm” to both her career and her personal privacy.  The singer is not only seeking damages but is also asking the court to help identify the anonymous individuals behind the alleged cyberattacks. By obtaining subpoenas, her legal team hopes to trace the hackers’ digital footprints and hold them accountable for what the lawsuit describes as an unlawful invasion of privacy and intellectual property theft.  A source close to Grande told People that the legal action goes beyond her personal case. The source said the lawsuit is intended to protect artists’ rights and discourage future attacks on musicians and other creators. “Artists deserve the right to control how and when their art is shared with the world,” the source said, emphasizing that unauthorized leaks undermine the creative process.  Grande has previously spoken out against music leaks. In a 2024 interview, she warned those responsible for leaking her unreleased song “Fantasize” that there would be consequences, famously saying, “I’ll see you in jail, literally.” Her latest lawsuit demonstrates that she is now following through on that warning.  As the legal battle unfolds, Grande’s case highlights the growing challenges artists face in protecting their work in the digital age. The outcome could have wider implications for how the entertainment industry combats cybercrime, safeguards unreleased content and defends creators’ rights in an increasingly connected world. 

  • |

    Role Model jokes about his ‘war’ with an oblivious Harry Styles

    Role Model has addressed longstanding jokes online about a supposed rivalry with former One Direction star Harry Styles. He opened up about the friendly banter during a recent podcast appearance. The 29-year-old, who recently confirmed his relationship with actress Dakota Johnson, sat down for a conversation on the “And the Writer Is” podcast. The topic of Styles came up almost immediately. When asked directly whether Styles has ever confronted him about their supposed feud, Role Model laughed nervously before answering. He said, as far as he knows, there is genuinely no beef between them. He then recalled an actual meeting he had had with the Grammy-winning singer, describing the encounter warmly. According to Role Model, Styles came across as lovely and completely unaware of internet culture surrounding him. He joked that Styles’ total disconnect from social media gives him free rein to joke about their fictional rivalry. Role Model said he could rant for an entire year about their so-called war, and Styles would remain blissfully unaware. The playful comments quickly caught fans off guard online, with many reacting to the unexpected mention of Styles. One user online expressed pure surprise at the unlikely crossover between the two artists. Role Model has been generating buzz recently after confirming his relationship with Dakota Johnson. The actress made a surprise vocal appearance on his track “Love I You,” from his new album “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass.” That surprise feature effectively served as their public relationship reveal, drawing significant attention from fans and media alike. The pairing has since become one of the more talked-about celebrity romances of the summer. Meanwhile, Harry Styles has been making headlines of his own, linked to rumours of a budding romance with actress Zoe Kravitz. Neither he nor Kravitz has addressed the speculation directly so far. With both artists currently in the spotlight for their personal lives, Role Model’s lighthearted comments about Styles have added an unexpected but fun crossover moment for fans of both stars.

  • | |

    Miss North Carolina loses crown after allegations

    Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse has been removed from her title following a review of information that recently came to light, pageant organisers announced. A Blaize Productions, which runs the state pageant, said it had made the decision to end Boltinhouse’s reign after examining the circumstances. The organisers did not disclose the nature of the information that prompted the review. Miss USA organisation president Thom Brodeur said the organisation does not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia or language that degrades or strips people of their dignity. Brodeur said the issue was not linked to a single incident. According to him, the information presented to the organisation pointed to conduct that had allegedly occurred over an extended period. He said Boltinhouse had apologised and was expected to issue a statement addressing the matter. She has not publicly provided details about the circumstances leading to her removal. Boltinhouse, 27, won the Miss North Carolina USA title in June. She had been preparing to represent the state at the 75th Miss USA competition in Miami later this month. Organisers said the decision was not taken lightly and followed a “thorough review” of recently surfaced information. They said the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the title and uphold the organisation’s standards. The state’s runner-up, Myla Hadley, will now take over the title and represent North Carolina at the Miss USA pageant. Hadley said she understood the significance and responsibility attached to the position and was prepared to take on the role despite the short notice. She said she had been preparing to represent North Carolina at the national competition since she first entered the organisation’s pageant system. The winner of the upcoming Miss USA competition will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in November.

  • | |

    Aleema vows peaceful fight for Imran’s relea…

    Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has said the party will continue its peaceful campaign for the release of the former prime minister. Addressing party workers in the Jandol Munda area of Lower Dir, Aleema Khan urged supporters to remain committed to a lawful and peaceful struggle. She stressed that all political activities should be carried out within the framework of the law. She called on party workers to work closely with elected representatives and play an effective role in advancing the party’s objectives through democratic means. Aleema Khan said unity, discipline and peaceful protest remain the movement’s greatest strengths. She encouraged supporters to stay organised and continue their efforts with patience and determination while maintaining respect for the law. Her remarks came as PTI continues to campaign for the release of its founder and presses ahead with its political activities across the country. Earlier, Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court seeking the suspension of her sentence and release on bail. In her petition, she requested the court to suspend the sentence handed down by the trial court until the final decision on her appeal. She argued that she should be granted bail on medical grounds. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi is entitled to relief because she is a woman and is suffering from health problems. It maintained that her medical condition requires proper treatment and care, making her eligible for bail during the legal proceedings.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz says Makkah pact sends message of unity…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a significant step towards greater regional unity and peace, saying the pact has brought the three countries closer. The prime minister made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. The Makkah agreement was signed on Aug 7 by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Makkah. The agreement provides a framework for stronger collective defence cooperation and states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all. Sharif said the agreement had further strengthened the strategic relationship among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye while conveying a message of unity and peace across the region. The prime minister also stressed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia should now build on their strategic partnership by expanding economic and agricultural cooperation. He said stronger trade and investment ties could help transform the longstanding relationship between the two countries into a broader and more mutually beneficial economic partnership. Focus on agriculture and food security Agriculture emerged as a key area of discussion during the meeting, with both sides reviewing ways to increase cooperation in agricultural productivity, technology, research and development, and efficient water management. Sharif expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation over Pakistani agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia. He said Islamabad was keen to expand the range and volume of agricultural products supplied to the Kingdom. Pakistan has increasingly sought to strengthen its economic relationship with Saudi Arabia beyond traditional financial and energy cooperation, with agriculture and food security offering significant opportunities for both sides. The prime minister announced that a delegation of Pakistani agricultural experts would soon travel to Riyadh to continue discussions and explore practical areas of cooperation. The delegation is expected to focus on improving agricultural productivity through modern technology, research and more efficient use of water resources. The Saudi minister, meanwhile, reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, water management and food security, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. A broader strategic partnership The meeting reflects Islamabad’s effort to translate its close political and strategic ties with Riyadh into greater commercial and economic engagement. Saudi Arabia has historically remained one of Pakistan’s most important partners, providing financial support and assistance during periods of economic pressure. In recent years, however, both countries have increasingly emphasised investment, trade and private-sector partnerships. The latest discussions also come shortly after the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which marked a new phase in security cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has described the agreement as defensive in nature, saying it is intended to strengthen collective deterrence and promote regional peace and stability rather than target any particular country. For Islamabad, the challenge now will be to convert the political momentum generated by the Makkah pact into tangible economic gains. The planned visit by Pakistani agricultural experts to Riyadh could provide an early test of that approach, particularly as both countries seek greater cooperation in food security, water management, agricultural technology and exports. The meeting therefore carried significance beyond diplomatic messaging, highlighting Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s shared interest in developing a relationship that combines strategic cooperation with stronger economic ties. As regional security concerns continue to shape diplomacy in the Middle East and beyond, Islamabad appears keen to present the Makkah pact not simply as a defence arrangement, but as part of a wider push for stability, cooperation and closer partnerships among the three countries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *