Pakistan introduces new verification system to crackdown fake medical visas

ISLAMABAD (Zubair Kasuri): To combat the growing problem of fake medical visas, the Ministry of Interior Affairs has introduced a new verification system to ensure the authenticity of sponsors and applicants, informed sources said.

Sources within the Interior Ministry have said that the system requires sponsors to verify their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), and a confirmation message is sent to their contact number before the application is approved.

The move from the interior ministry comes after hundreds of fake medical visa cases were reported, particularly involving Afghan patients misusing the visa system, sources told. The new verification system aimed to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure a secure visa system.

The Ministry of Interior is consulting the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMD) to seek expert opinions on the matter to strengthen this new system.

While taking to Daily Ausaf, a senior interior ministry official said we are committed to ensuring the integrity of our visa system and curbing fraudulent activities under the special direction of Interior Secretary Khurram Agha and the supervision of Additional Secretary Ayub Chaudhary. “This new certification system is a step in the right direction toward achieving that goal,” he said.