A shocking investigation by a Pakistani investigative journalist has uncovered a massive passport and identity card fraud network, allegedly involving officials from NADRA and the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, who helped Afghan nationals illegally obtain Pakistani documents in exchange for hefty payments.
According to the report aired by a local television channel, Afghan nationals were paying up to Rs500,000 to secure Pakistani passports through an elaborate web of brokers, corrupt officials, and document forgers.
20 Brokers at the Core of Operation
The exposé revealed that around 20 key brokers were at the center of the illegal operation, allegedly colluding with NADRA and immigration officials to process fake national identity cards and passports.
Sources told the journalist that the brokers collected an initial fee for issuing fraudulent CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards), followed by an additional Rs250,000 for passport processing. Once the fake ID was approved, passports were issued using these forged credentials.
Deep-Rooted Corruption and Security Concerns
The revelation has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s identity verification systems. Over the years, reports have repeatedly highlighted the misuse of NADRA’s database and manipulation of “family trees” — where non-nationals were added as relatives of Pakistani citizens in exchange for bribes.
Authorities described the scheme as a serious national security threat, given that fake CNICs allow individuals to access Pakistani bank accounts, property ownership, and travel documents.
Government Launches Crackdown Under Military Oversight
In response to the scandal, the government appointed a serving Lieutenant General to lead NADRA, working under Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s supervision. The move was seen as a decisive step to restore credibility and enforce internal accountability.
Under the new leadership, NADRA launched a large-scale digital audit using newly developed verification software, which detected over 250,000 fake CNICs — the majority linked to Afghan nationals.
Fraudulent CNICs Blocked; Verification Process Underway
NADRA has since blocked all fraudulent IDs and directed affected individuals to personally verify their identities at local NADRA offices. Officials confirmed that legitimate CNICs would be restored only after biometric and documentary verification.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the crackdown demonstrates the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and illegal documentation.
“National identity is a matter of sovereignty and security. Those involved in facilitating such crimes — whether brokers or officials — will face strict legal action,” a ministry spokesperson affirmed.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The revelation has provoked widespread public concern over how criminal networks have infiltrated official systems and exploited institutional loopholes. Analysts warn that such scams undermine counterterrorism efforts and international credibility, particularly at a time when Pakistan is tightening border controls amid the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals.
Observers say the ongoing digital verification campaign is a test of NADRA’s integrity and capacity to clean up the national identity database and prevent further breaches.
In other news also read about Over 250,000 Fake CNIC Holders, Mostly Afghans, Identified in Pakistan; NADRA Takes Action
