FIA registers case against passenger, agents

LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala has registered a first information report (FIR) against Shahzad Alam and agents Shamza (Corporal of Airport Security Force), Abdullah Yousuf and others, following the offloading of passenger Shahzad Alam who was traveling to Sharjah.

According to the FIR available with The News, Shift Incharge Afzal Malhi, SI FIA/IMMG, was on duty at the Sialkot International Airport when the incident occurred. During the immigration process, Alam, who was set to board Aeroplane PK-209 bound for Sharjah, raised suspicions. Immigration personnel referred him to the SI. Upon searching his belongings, a fake stamp of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi was discovered from his bag.

Upon interrogation, Alam revealed that his ultimate destination was Europe. He disclosed that his paternal uncle, Muhammad Akhtar, was in contact with Shamza, who claimed to be an immigration officer, and Abdullah, an agent. An advance payment of Rs3.4 million was deposited in Abdullah’s bank account, and in return, Abdullah provided guarantee cheques. The agent then arranged a visit visa for Dubai and a ticket.

Additionally, Shamza provided Alam with a fake stamp and indicated that another agent, a friend of Shamza, would meet him in Sharjah to provide the Bosnia visa.

The FIR details that the crime was committed under Sections 17, 18 and 22 of EO 1979. The investigating officer has attached evidence including digital material and screenshots. The investigation also revealed that the transferred amount was deposited in various accounts, including those of Abdullah Yousuf, Asif Javed, and Shazia Irshad, on different dates.

An FIR has been registered against the passengers and agents involved, and the role of all account holders is being determined. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts by the FIA to combat illegal immigration and fraudulent activities. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The News attempted to contact Zulfiqar Ahmed, Chief Security Officer of the Airport Security Force (ASF), regarding allegations involving Shamza. Despite repeated calls and messages, Ahmed did not respond. Following this, Muhammad Rashid, Director of Operations at ASF Headquarters in Karachi, was also approached for a statement but he also remained unresponsive. An official from ASF Headquarters in Karachi later confirmed Shamza’s involvement, stating that she is now considered a deserter and no longer works with the ASF.

When questioned about the lack of arrest, the official explained that it was the responsibility of the Chief Security Officer, and the oversight occurred there. She emphasized that the ASF was a professional force with zero tolerance for corruption.