Pakistan’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed this week about large-scale passport theft from offices across the country. The revelation has sparked serious concerns over potential misuse of these stolen travel documents. Officials disclosed that thousands of passports went missing in recent years, raising fears about national security and illegal migration. The keyword passport theft has now become a pressing issue for authorities tasked with safeguarding identity systems.
PAC Meeting Exposes Scale of the Problem
The startling disclosure came during a meeting of Subcommittee IV of the PAC, chaired by Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. Passports Director General (DG) Mustafa Qazi revealed that thousands of passports were stolen from at least 25 passport offices in different parts of Pakistan over several years.
“This is a very worrying matter,” Chaudhry said, adding that under current regional circumstances, such stolen passports could be misused for unlawful activities. His comments highlighted the gravity of the issue, as Pakistan remains a key transit hub in South Asia.
32,600 Passports Reported Missing
Audit authorities presented figures that shocked the subcommittee. They reported that 32,600 passports were stolen from various offices, including the Abbottabad office. The thefts were not isolated incidents but spread across several regions, indicating systemic vulnerabilities.
DG Qazi confirmed that in all these cases, the stolen passports were blocked in the system. “They have not been reviewed, nor will they be,” he assured. Blocking makes the documents invalid for official use, but concerns remain about the potential for counterfeit operations or misuse in cross-border activities.
Links to Illegal Travel and Deportations
During the meeting, DG Qazi also shared that some foreigners used illegal routes to travel from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. He said the Ministry of Interior had arrested several individuals involved. Saudi authorities later deported Afghan citizens who had entered the kingdom with improper documentation.
This connection reinforced concerns that stolen Pakistani passports could play a role in illegal migration networks. Such incidents also risk damaging Pakistan’s reputation abroad, especially in countries where its citizens frequently travel for work.
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Push Toward Digitisation
In response to the alarming disclosures, DG Qazi assured the subcommittee that the passport system would now undergo complete digitisation. The move aims to strengthen security measures and prevent future incidents.
Auditing authorities added that a cyber-audit of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had been conducted two years ago. That audit was designed to identify vulnerabilities and recommend safeguards against cyber and data-related fraud.
“Now it has become very difficult to produce fake documents,” Qazi said, underlining that digital upgrades have already reduced opportunities for forgeries. However, the theft of physical documents remains a major challenge.
Subcommittee Demands Accountability
The subcommittee instructed DG Qazi to prepare and submit a detailed inquiry report. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency, especially in cases involving public trust and national security.
Chaudhry said that the committee would monitor progress closely and expected concrete measures to ensure that no further lapses occur in the system. His remarks reflected the seriousness with which the government views the issue.
National Security at Stake
The scale of the passport theft has raised alarms among policymakers and security experts. Stolen passports can be misused for a range of illegal purposes, from human trafficking to terrorism. In a region already marked by conflict and instability, such vulnerabilities carry significant risks.
By acknowledging the issue publicly, the PAC has drawn attention to the urgent need for stronger oversight of passport offices. Ensuring tighter controls on document issuance, storage, and monitoring will be central to regaining public confidence.
Restoring Trust in the System
The revelations have also raised questions about the efficiency of local offices and the responsibility of staff. While digitisation promises long-term solutions, experts argue that training, monitoring, and accountability within offices are equally essential.
Public trust in official documents is at the heart of Pakistan’s identity system. If passports can be stolen in large numbers, citizens may begin to question the security of other state-issued documents as well. That concern could affect both domestic governance and international relations.
What’s Next?
The PAC meeting has set the stage for urgent reforms in Pakistan’s passport system. Blocking stolen passports was an important first step, but it does not erase the risks they pose if used illegally. As the government moves toward digitisation, it must also address the root causes of such thefts and ensure strict enforcement of protocols.
With international travel and migration under constant scrutiny, Pakistan cannot afford further lapses in its identity management system. Passport theft has now become not just an administrative problem but a national security priority.
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