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FIA arrests 15 passport agents in crackdown outside regional passport offices

ByJustpaste.in

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.

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