Fake Pakistani Passports Used by 1,296 Afghans

In a major revelation, Saudi Arabian authorities have identified 1,296 Afghan nationals traveling with counterfeit Pakistani passports, raising serious concerns about border security, document integrity, and regional diplomatic relations.

The incident has triggered immediate responses from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia, as all three countries work to address the implications of this alarming development.

• Saudi Arabia discovered 1,296 Afghan nationals with fake Pakistani passports.

• Investigations are underway to determine the networks involved.

• Pakistan vows strict action against passport forgery syndicates.

• Afghanistan distances itself from the incident, urging fair handling.

• Saudi authorities tighten security measures at airports and border points.

According to Saudi reports, routine security inspections at airports and immigration checkpoints flagged inconsistencies in several Pakistani passports. Upon deeper investigation, it was revealed that 1,296 individuals — all of Afghan origin — were carrying fraudulent Pakistani travel documents.

Officials suspect a widespread forgery network operating across borders, potentially involving corrupt elements in local passport offices or organized crime groups.

Saudi immigration officers used advanced biometric scanning, data verification tools, and background checks to uncover the irregularities. Some of the indicators that raised suspicions included:

• Mismatched biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition)

• Poor-quality printing and hologram inconsistencies

• Incorrect place of birth and unrealistic documentation histories

• Non-verifiable National Identity Numbers (NICs) from Pakistan

Once detected, the individuals were detained for questioning, and thorough investigations commenced.

The Government of Pakistan has expressed serious concern over the incident and immediately initiated its own internal investigation.
Key steps being taken include:

• Formation of a high-level inquiry committee to trace the source of forged passports.

• Scrutiny of passport issuance processes, especially in regions bordering Afghanistan.

• Disciplinary action against any government officials found complicit.

• Strengthening security features in new passport designs.

Pakistan's Ministry of Interior stated:

"We condemn the misuse of our national documents and assure Saudi authorities of full cooperation. Any individuals or groups involved will be dealt with an iron hand."

The Afghan interim government distanced itself from the individuals involved, asserting that:

• They are not officially recognized Afghan representatives.

• Afghanistan remains committed to upholding international travel norms.

• It calls for fair legal procedures and human rights compliance for detainees.

An Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson emphasized:

"We reject unauthorized use of forged documents and call for transparent handling of the matter, without tarnishing the reputation of ordinary Afghans."

Following the exposure of the fake passports:

• Saudi Arabia increased security at all major airports and immigration points.

• New biometric verification checkpoints are being set up.

• Immigration officers have been instructed to conduct in-depth verifications for Pakistani passport holders, especially from sensitive regions.

Saudi officials praised the efficiency of their biometric systems for detecting fraud before these individuals could disperse across the Kingdom.

This event holds significant consequences:

• Strained Pakistan-Saudi diplomatic relations if immediate corrective measures aren't taken.

• Increased difficulties for genuine Pakistani travelers to Saudi Arabia due to stricter vetting.

• Damage to Pakistan’s global reputation concerning document security.

• Heightened vigilance across Middle Eastern nations for South Asian travelers.

It also renews the focus on cracking down on passport mafia networks and illegal migration channels operating across Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Here’s what different authorities have officially stated:

• Pakistan's Foreign Office: Full cooperation will be extended to Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Immigration Authority: The individuals will face legal action under Saudi law.

• Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry: Calls for careful differentiation between criminal acts and the Afghan nation at large.

The discovery of 1,296 Afghans traveling with fake Pakistani passports is a wake-up call for South Asia and the broader international community.
It highlights the urgent need for:

• Stronger passport security measures

• Crackdowns on forgery networks

• Regional cooperation to uphold travel safety standards

As investigations continue, both Pakistan and Afghanistan must take swift actions to restore trust and prevent future misuse of their official documents. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s firm stance ensures that its borders remain secure against fraudulent activities.