ISLAMABAD: A ‘blacklisted’ US national was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after he was earlier allowed entry at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
The US national identified as Matthew Brett was blacklisted from Pakistan in 2011 over charges of espionage and suspicious activities and was deported.
The FIA claimed that he had forged documents to enter the country and was successful in coming out of the airport. They were brought to action and arrested him a guest house, after which he was transferred to an immigration cell for further interrogation.
They have also registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the negligent officials, and also arrested two men from the immigration desk at the airport. They have also asked for explanation from the Deputy Director and Immigration Director.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has taken a strict notice of the incident, and suspended the Assistant-Director FIA and immigration officials on duty at the airport. He said that action will also be taken against those who issued the visa at the Pakistan consulate in Houston, USA.
Nisar has instructed the Ministry of Interior to look into the matter and ordered a detailed inquiry in the incident. He also asked to ascertain whether the entry was due to negligence or any other reason. Assistant Secretary Interior has been tasked to present the report within 24 hours despite the weekend holidays.
He has formulated a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conducted an inquiry headed by SP Investigation Capt. (retd) Ilyas which would also include officials of the FIA, Intelligence Bureau and ISI.
