Al-Qaeda may enter US, UK using ‘lost’ Pakistani passports

ISLAMABAD - Misplacing about 100 Pakistani passports could cost the British High Commission dearly, as fears are being raised that these passports could land in Al-Qaeda’s hands which could use them for terror attacks across the world.

It is worth mentioning here that the British High Commission in Islamabad had lost around 100 Pakistani passports submitted for obtaining visas while it was shifting operations to Abu Dhabi due to security reasons.

“If terrorists get hold of these passports, they can alter them with the help of human-trafficking mafia and move freely to various countries, especially the US and UK, to carry out terror activities,” insiders said.

According to intelligence sources, the lost passports had multiple visas of various western countries that can be tampered with easily by the militants.

Even after almost a month, British officials have failed to determine the exact number of passports lost and as to what the agencies were doing to prevent the extremists from taking advantage of the situation.

“There are exaggerated stories about them but the exact number of the lost passports is less than 100.We are investigating the matter, but I cannot say anything about the conclusion of the probe,” The Daily Times quoted British High Commission spokesman Rob Murphy, as saying.

When asked about the dangers of the passports falling into the extremists hands, Murphy said the high commission has asked all the visa applicants to get new passports and re-apply for their visas. (ANI)