The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was left alarmed on Wednesday after revelations that thousands of Pakistani passports had been stolen from passport offices across the country over the years.
In a meeting of Subcommittee IV, chaired by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Passports Director General Mustafa Qazi disclosed that stolen passports were traced to at least 25 passport offices, including Abbottabad. Audit authorities estimated the figure at 32,600 missing documents.
Passports Director General Mustafa Qazi revealed that thousands of passports had been stolen from 25 passport offices across the country “in different years.”https://t.co/1mwxYO949b
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) September 17, 2025
Rising Concerns Over Passport Security
“This is a very worrying matter,” Chaudhry remarked during the meeting, stressing the risks of misuse in the prevailing security environment.
DG Qazi assured lawmakers that all stolen passports were immediately blocked and cannot be used. He confirmed that none of the missing documents would be reviewed or reissued, limiting the chances of fraudulent travel.
However, committee members voiced concerns that such large-scale theft could compromise Pakistan’s reputation internationally, particularly with countries already tightening scrutiny of Pakistani travelers.
PAC subcommittee informed about theft of 32,600 passports from offices nationwide.
Passports Director General confirms all stolen documents have been blocked.
Lawmakers warn of potential misuse under current security climate.
Ministry of Interior reported arrests of foreigners using stolen passports.
System to be fully digitised to curb future fraud, says DG.
The Ministry of Interior also briefed the committee, reporting that several foreigners were arrested for illegally traveling to Saudi Arabia using stolen passports. Saudi authorities, they added, had deported Afghan nationals who attempted to enter the Kingdom with such documents.
To address vulnerabilities, DG Qazi stated that Pakistan’s passport system would undergo full digitisation. He further noted that a cyber audit of NADRA was conducted two years ago, making it increasingly difficult to forge identity documents.
“Now it has become very difficult to produce fake documents,” Qazi assured.
Inquiry Ordered
The PAC subcommittee instructed DG Qazi to submit a detailed inquiry report on the thefts, with lawmakers pushing for accountability at offices where the lapses occurred.
Observers say the incident underscores the need for tighter internal controls and advanced cybersecurity measures within Pakistan’s passport and identity management system. With nearly 33,000 passports unaccounted for, the episode raises pressing questions about border security and fraud prevention in the country.
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