Around 5,634 passports of intending Umrah pilgrims along with all relevant documents were stolen from the office of Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) here on Monday. According to details, some 17 bags having 5,634 passports, which were to be sent to Saudi consulate for visa, were stolen from the office.
Talking to Business Recorder, chairman TAAP, Yahya Polani, confirmed the incident. He said the involvement of any office-bearer of the association in the incident could not be ruled out, as no locker was broken. He said the thieves did not take away cash or any other documents except the passports. He said a case, (92/11), was registered in Artillery Maidan police station against the unknown thieves on complaint of Saleem Ahmad, in-charge Umrah section of the association.
He said the police on the statement of watchman have arrested deputy in-charge of Umrah section, Zubair. He said the association, which was facilitating pilgrims at nominal charges, was receiving serious threats from its members, who might be involved in the theft.