PESHAWAR: Following a scandal involving fake international driving licences that caused embarrassment for Pakistan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has authorized a high-level investigation via the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and a provincial committee
The scandal emerged after Pakistani missions abroad sought verification of driving licences issued to overseas Pakistanis by the KP Transport Department, only to find no corresponding records in the department’s database. The Pakistan High Commission in Canberra, Australia, and authorities in Hong Kong had sent letters for verification, revealing that many licences had been issued to overseas Pakistanis despite their absence from the country.
Officials were puzzled as to why numerous individuals from other provinces were obtaining licences from cities like Peshawar and Nowshera instead of their home districts.
“The KP chief secretary has approved an investigation into the driving licence scandal by the FIA and a provincial committee,” sources informed. This committee will include officers from the home department, police, law, IT board, and other relevant departments.
An initial report from the KP Transport Department admitted the issuance of fake licences to nationals in Hong Kong and Australia, highlighting several flaws in the current system. The department has requested the IT board’s assistance to address these flaws.
The scandal has exposed significant irregularities, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urge the provincial government to conduct thorough scrutiny. Previously, the Transport Department was instructed to investigate and recommend punishments for those involved. However, this decision faced criticism, leading to the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) being tasked with the investigation. ACE was also directed to scrutinize the issuance of medical certificates to applicants while abroad and to investigate potential similar cases in other countries.
Additionally, the KP government has formed a three-member committee to monitor corruption and governance within the province. This committee, comprising former KP governor Shah Farman, former advisor to the prime minister on accountability Musaddiq Abbasi, and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Qazi Anwar, will investigate allegations against ministers and administrative secretaries. KP Information Advisor Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed that action would be taken against officials if allegations are substantiated.
