The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad has busted an alleged work permit and corruption racket operating from the Protectorate of Emigrants Office in Rehmanabad, Rawalpindi, apprehending two government officials and three private agents accused of extracting hefty amounts from citizens seeking overseas employment.
FIA busts work permit racket at protectorate office, nabs two officials, three agents
ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP):The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad has busted an alleged work permit and corruption racket operating from the Protectorate of Emigrants Office in Rehmanabad, Rawalpindi, apprehending two government officials and three private agents accused of extracting hefty amounts from citizens seeking overseas employment.
An FIA official told APP on Wednesday that the Anti-Corruption Circle conducted a raid at the Protectorate of Emigrants Office after receiving information about alleged corruption and fraudulent collection of money from citizens in the name of arranging work permits.
During the operation, FIA teams caught three private agents red-handed, while subsequent investigation allegedly uncovered their links with officials posted at the Protectorate office.
The official said preliminary investigation revealed that the agents allegedly collected substantial amounts from people seeking employment abroad and, in connivance with government officials, paid bribes to get their cases processed on a priority basis.
Forensic examination of the arrested agents’ mobile phones yielded images of different visas for Europe, Gulf countries, the United Kingdom and African countries, besides voice notes allegedly exchanged with officials of the Protectorate office.
The FIA said the digital evidence indicated the existence of an alleged network involving private agents and government employees.
On information obtained from the arrested agents during investigation, FIA subsequently apprehended two officials of the Protectorate of Emigrants Office Rawalpindi, identified as Murtaza Ali, Data Entry Operator (BS-15), and Waqas, Upper Division Clerk (BS-11).
A case, FIR No. 40/2026, has been registered against the accused under Sections 420, 468 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.
The FIA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against corruption, saying indiscriminate legal action would continue against individuals involved in corrupt practices within government institutions.
Further investigation is underway.
