News
Friday, July 27, 2012
British envoy shows trust in Pakistani passport* Thomson admits no visa system in world is perfect
* Pakistan among top nations which seek UK visas on fake documents
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Expressing satisfaction on the passport issuing system in Pakistan, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson said on Thursday they trusted Pakistan’s passport issuance system and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
He was talking to reporters at the National Press Club regarding the recent passport scandal reported by the British tabloid The Sun.
The press conference was organised to brief journalists about the 2012 London Olympics, which kick off on Friday (today).
To a question, the high commissioner accepted that no passport or visa system throughout the world was perfect. Commenting on the news item published in The Sun, Thomson said it was an example of investigative journalism, but it did not mean that anyone would get a visa from the high commission on fake or forged passport. The high commissioner said there was an effective system in place at the British High Commission to check the forged documents.
Thomson also said that sneaking into an Olympics squad through illegal means was impossible.
Praising NADRA, he said that such a system didn’t even exist in his country. However, he said that there occurred some mistakes. There were flaws in the processing of visa, he said, adding, “We don't claim to be perfect.”
The Sun had earlier claimed to break into a crime ring that was issuing fake passports and visas, giving potential terrorists a chance to sneak into Britain along with Pakistan’s Olympic delegation.
Pakistan has decided to take legal action against the newspaper for running a ‘fake’ report. The federal cabinet has decided to take legal action after NADRA officials were found innocent during initial investigation.
The high commissioner said the visa scandal issue was of global significance, however, he expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s passport issuance authority and NADRA.
To those who wish to acquire a British passport, Thomson said interested Pakistanis should not seek help from unofficial agents. “The system in place at the British Embassy was very simple and it can be contacted for assistance,” he said.
The high commissioner also mentioned that around 4,000 people tried to get the British passport through fake documents last year, but were caught.
He also said, “Pakistan is one of those countries, who were on the top with regard to seeking UK visas on fake documents.” Thomson said the UK had been working closely with Pakistani authorities so no one could reach the UK on forged papers.
Praising the Pakistani media, the high commissioner hoped that Pakistani reporters would fulfil their responsibility while covering the forthcoming general elections.
While briefing journalists on the opening of London Olympics, he said it would be one of the best opening ceremonies that would begin in the evening on Friday (today), and would be watched by over one billion viewers throughout the world.Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk