The Federal Investigation Agency offloaded two passengers attempting to travel abroad using fake documents at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, on Saturday.

The arrested individuals were trying to fly to Italy and to South Africa, according to FIA officials. Both passengers were found “suspicious” during immigration clearance.

Upon verification, their passports were found to have counterfeit visas for their respective destinations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had obtained their fake visas from agents in exchange for large amounts of money.

One of the suspects acquired a fake Italian visa from an agent named “Usman” for Rs 2.7 million. The FIA transferred the suspects to the Anti-Human Smuggling Circle Lahore for further investigation.

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“Strict screening procedures will continue at the Lahore airport to curb illegal travel attempts,” FIA Lahore Director Sarfaraz Khan Virk said.

He added that a crackdown against those involved in creating fake documents was under way.

Authorities have urged passengers to ensure the authenticity of their travel documents and avoid handing them over to unauthorised individuals.

The FIA has also advised citizens to apply for visas only through official embassies or designated visa application centers.