Human Smuggling Scandal: Security Agencies Step In, JIT to Begin Probe Next Week

 

Peshawar: Security agencies have swung into action over an attempt to acquire New Zealand visas through forged sponsorship letters and fake claims of being squash players. According to sources, suspicion is growing over the involvement of certain individuals within the Directorate of Sports, and officials are expected to begin questioning several people in the coming days. The investigation is reportedly expanding in scope.

Sources reveal that security personnel have met with individuals directly or indirectly linked to the matter, particularly those associated with squash or the Directorate itself. It has been confirmed that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) is likely to formally initiate an inquiry next week, which could include both government officials and private individuals in the investigation.

The inquiry will not be limited to forged letters alone. Investigators will also examine whether the Directorate of Sports has any internal mechanisms to prevent such fraudulent activities — and if they exist, why they failed. Sources state that the issue is not only tarnishing the image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also damaging Pakistan’s credibility in the international sports arena. Authorities aim to conclude the investigation as swiftly and transparently as possible.

The case came to light when, on February 7, 2025, the New Zealand consulate received a sponsorship letter purportedly from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate General of Sports. The letter claimed that five squash players and two officials were being sent to participate in the New Zealand Junior Squash Championship, with the DG Sports covering all expenses.

It further stated that Manager Muhammad Bilal and Coach Kaleemullah were permanent employees of the Directorate. However, upon verification, it was revealed that the official whose signature appeared on the letter — Khalid Mehmood, the former Director General — had left the position in November 2023. The letter was declared a forgery, a fact later confirmed in writing by Mr. Mehmood himself.

The matter is now in the hands of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Khalid Mehmood has officially requested an inquiry and asked that any misuse of his signature be thoroughly investigated and prevented.

According to reports, the New Zealand consulate had contacted the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) for verification, leading to the exposure of the fraud. The PSF subsequently issued a formal alert to all embassies, advising them to verify player credentials directly through the federation before processing any applications.

Meanwhile, internal sources suggest that some individuals within the Directorate may be directly involved in this attempted scam. Security personnel are currently meeting with key figures and asking questions related to the case.

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