Nadra Officials Arrested in FIA Fake Afghan Documents Probe
The Federal Investigation Agency said on Wednesday that four suspects, including officials of the National Database and Registration Authority, had been arrested in Karachi over allegations of preparing fake identity documents for Afghan nationals. The arrests have placed renewed attention on document security, border-related enforcement and the integrity of Pakistan’s national registration system.
According to the FIA, those taken into custody included Nadra Assistant Director Imamul Haq, Deputy Assistant Director Fayyaz Ahmed, a watchman employed by the authority named Junaid Ahmed, and a private agent identified as Muhammad Umar Shah. Investigators said the suspects were allegedly linked to a network facilitating illegal documentation through official and unofficial channels.
The agency said important records and other material had been seized during the operation and would now be examined as part of the expanding investigation. Officials indicated that the inquiry is not limited to the four arrests and may move toward additional suspects, facilitators and possible beneficiaries connected with the alleged scheme.
In its official account, the FIA said preliminary findings suggested the accused were involved in helping Afghan citizens obtain forged identity documents, manipulate records and carry out other unlawful activities. The agency also said initial evidence pointed to possible links between the network and terrorist elements, adding that this aspect was still under investigation.
The case has added sensitivity because one of the suspects, Fayyaz Ahmed, had earlier been reported missing by his family, who approached police seeking his recovery. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had also expressed concern and urged the Sindh government to speed up efforts to locate the Nadra official before the FIA announced the arrests.
Pakistan’s identity documentation system is a critical state function because Computerised National Identity Cards are linked to voting, banking, property transactions, mobile phone registration, employment and access to public services. Any alleged manipulation inside or around Nadra therefore raises concerns beyond one criminal case, touching national security, public trust and institutional accountability.
The development comes as Pakistan continues a wider policy drive against foreign nationals residing in the country without valid legal status. In June, authorities issued fresh instructions for the immediate arrest of Afghan nationals living illegally in Pakistan, while repatriation activity has gathered pace in recent weeks.
The FIA has previously reported similar actions involving Nadra personnel. Earlier this month, three Nadra officials were arrested in Chakwal over allegations that a CNIC had been issued to an Afghan national who was already in jail, while another Nadra official was arrested in Karachi in April over alleged involvement in issuing fake identity cards.
For Pakistan, the latest arrests may increase pressure on authorities to strengthen internal audits, digital safeguards and staff accountability within registration offices. The next phase of the investigation is expected to focus on forensic review of seized records, identification of more facilitators and verification of whether any unlawfully issued documents remain active in official databases.