Visa scam involving Pakistan’s Olympic team uncovered
The London Olympics are set to begin at the end of July. -Photo by AFP
KARACHI: A British tabloid has allegedly uncovered a visa scam involving Pakistan’s Olympic contingent.
According to the investigation, a group of travel agents and politicians are involved in the scam which allows anyone to travel with the Pakistani contingent as support staff if they pay a certain amount of money.
Fake passports, travel documents, a visa for two months and a letter from the Pakistan Sports Board claiming that the person is part of Pakistan’s Olympic support staff can all be arranged for around one million Pakistani rupees (7000 pounds), it was reported.
Abid Chodhary, the politician and Dream Land travel agency were allegedly involved.
The British and Pakistani authorities have been notified. Pakistan’s advisor to the Prime Minister on interior, Rehman Malik, said that the relevant people have been informed and will be looking into the matter.
Malik has formed a joint investigation team to investigate the scam.The team would include officials from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The Director General (DG) FIA would head the investigation team.
Eight employees of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) have been suspended and Chairman Nadra Tariq Malik has has ordered inquiry into the matter.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani official, while talking to DawnNews, rubbished the story as an attempt to discredit Pakistan. He also added that it was not possible for anyone to sneak in as part of Pakistan’s contingent as there were proper checks conducted and a lot of documentation required.
another one for the hall of shame! Allah save Pakistan!
I think everybody should check out the Scam Detector app. I believe they're online as well.
these corupt employees are everywhere, in india, in usa , in uk, in japan. DO NOT BLAME THE PAKISTAN NATION.
It is shame for all of us Pakistanis. Corruption exists from A-Z i.e. from Public to Government. In order to improve ourselves there is need to accept this fact.
No surprise it is Pakistani culture
So many comments as if some news like this has flashed for the first time !
Another sad day for me as a Pakistani. It seems like cheats and corrupt people are just woven in our society. The officials found responsible should be punished VERY SEVERELY. I have had ENOUGH living in SHAME of being a Pakistani. As much as I love my country, these corrupt people are not letting me live proudly as a Pakistani.
God bless Pakistan and save the motherland from these corrupt leeches.
Its never late to mend.All pakistani are not corrupt.Handful people are alwys found in every country.We sould not hit every one with same yard stick.pakistan is a super power and demoratic country.cuiprits must be hanged across the board.We cact blame entire nation.pakistani love their country and condemed such activities which destroy the image of pakistan.
Many countries would be doing this. Dont be disheartened. It is just that Pakistanis got caught. If put under the lens, many countries would be probably doing the same [ Maybe money may not be involved ] as a favour to close friends / relatives.
The Hajj scandle and the election scandle is next, we will hear.
Since the news is not fully confirmed – its considered meaningless. We are used to these media hypes as there is no honest leadership at top level and everyday we come across real or make up stories like these to tarnish the image of our targeted nation. Besides this, under cover people from other countries are coming over to Pakistan and settling in without any problems or issues. They all have fake names and ID's – why are they not been questioned or part of publications ?
This is the holy month of Ramadan and what image are we creating for this nation – the least we can do is to uncover this plot and if anyone is found guilty, he should be severely punished. England, of course is not a go to place specially in recession – you never know that the 7K Pounds are being shared by both ends. Maybe Middle Eastern countries would be a much better option.
Its time that someone steps up and take charge, enhance and upgrade the national image and provide relief to the sufferings of the nation – may God bless the new leadership – amin
Zi@ – well wisher from US
Think about it – Olympics will bring honours to other countries by competing in the games. The same Olympics has been used by its' own people to bring dishonour to Pakistan.What an unfortunate counrty!
Which Proves how Indian Abu Hamza can go to Saudi Arabia with Pakistani passport – But the problem is Pakistan do not accept his fault even proven, this is the biggest irony. Once they will feel and accept that yes this is blunder we are doing only then reforms can be done. Doctor cant prescribe medicine to patience unless patient tell yes i have problem.