Karachi: Sindh Tourism Minister Zulfiqar Shah revealed that dozens of Pakistanis were detained in Iraq for travelling on fake visas and passports.

He noted that these individuals were subsequently deported. He said that UAE and other countries have tightened visa requirements for Pakistanis due to similar complaints. On July 12, Federal Investigation Agency arrested two key members of gang involved in massive visa fraud scheme that deceived over 350 citizens. Speaking at ceremony for travel and tour operators, he stated, “We have initiated actions against companies and travel agencies involved in human smuggling, fake passports and fake visas”. “We need cooperation of travel and tour operators in this effort. Licences of those involved in illegal activities will be revoked.” Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani, former Assembly member Abdul Rashid, Chairman Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Dr Fawad Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami leader and CEO of Dunya Travel and Tours Hafiz Farhan Ahmed and Waqas Azmi attended meeting.

He disclosed that UAE Consul General had complained about large number of Pakistanis absconding upon entering UAE, leading to stricter visa conditions for Pakistanis. He emphasised that some travel agencies are implicated in these illicit activities. “Travel agents’ associations should identify these fraudulent agents to facilitate our actions,” he said. Saeed Ghani highlighted that despite country’s economic challenges, number of pilgrims travelling to holy sites has not decreased. “Sindh government will provide all possible support to those working in this sector to ensure maximum facilities for pilgrims,” he added.