Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intervened at Multan International Airport, removing two passengers from a plane over suspicions of attempting to misuse umrah visas to enter Europe. The passengers, Sikander Alam and Noor Islam, were initially bound for Saudi Arabia for Umrah but were found with Moroccan visas on their passports, indicating a different destination. This incident reflects a trend highlighted by FIA alerts, where individuals exploit Umrah visas to enter Europe via Morocco illegally.
Following detailed profiling, officials discovered the passengers’ actual intent to travel to Spain instead of Saudi Arabia. The FIA offloaded both passengers from the plane and transferred them to the FIA Composite Circle in Multan for further investigation. A previous incident in January involving individuals attempting to travel to France on forged credentials underscores broader issues of immigration fraud and misuse of official authority in Pakistan.
The case revealed deeper institutional vulnerabilities and questions regarding governance and accountability within regulatory authorities. Allegations of a senior tax official’s involvement in facilitating fraudulent French visit visas raised concerns about the misuse of public office. The suspects, posing as FBR employees, attempted to legitimize their plans through fabricated email exchanges and false claims of official delegation status.
When pressed for verification, the individuals failed to provide formal travel authorization or evidence of employment, casting doubt on their stated purpose of the visit. Their travel itinerary, including a suspicious same-day Paris to Barcelona trip, contradicted their intentions and suggested a plan to remain in Europe and seek asylum.
