FIA Stops Passenger at Islamabad Airport Over Alleged Fake NGO Visa for Turkey

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intercepted a passenger at Islamabad International Airport who was allegedly attempting to travel to Turkey on a fraudulently obtained NGO visa, officials said. The man was scheduled to board Qatar Airways flight QR-615 when immigration officers noticed discrepancies in his travel documents and in his stated purpose for the trip.

According to the FIA, the passenger's profile and explanation did not justify the journey, prompting officers to refer him for secondary screening. During the additional checks, investigators examined his documents and mobile phone data. Officials said the man had paid an agent Rs1.15 million for an NGO/COP31 visa and was told by the agent that the visa permitted him to work in Turkey, even though its terms prohibit employment.

The FIA said the passenger had no connection to HOPE NGO, the organisation linked to the visa, and that digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages, indicated he and the agent had coordinated to misuse the visa category. Investigators further alleged that the agent instructed the passenger to offer immigration officers Rs150,000 to secure clearance, an attempt to bypass standard immigration checks through bribery.

After offloading him from the flight, authorities handed the passenger to the FIA's Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Islamabad for questioning and further legal proceedings. Officials said investigators would also pursue the agent involved in arranging the visa and alleged bribery plan.

The FIA Islamabad Zone reiterated its commitment to acting against illegal immigration networks, fraudulent visa sellers and human traffickers. It urged citizens to use official travel channels and to avoid unauthorised agents when planning overseas journeys, warning that such arrangements can lead to detention, financial loss and legal action.