UK envoy dubs Pakistan a 8216;global leader8217; in visa,passport forgery

Pakistan was a 8220;global leader8221; vis-a-vis fake passports and visas,he told reporters at the National Press Club yesterday.

Thomson said it was unfortunate that Pakistan had been rated a world leader in visa fraud.

8220;Unfortunately,you people are world leaders in visa scam. Forgery is a strong industry here,8221; he was quoted as saying in media reports.

Thomson expressed satisfaction with Pakistan government8217;s visa issuing system but added that no passport or visa system in the world could claim to be absolutely perfect.

8220;There may be occasional slippages,8221; he said.

Referring to the British tabloid The Sun8217;s expose of passport forgery in Pakistan,the envoy said,8221;I am no one to determine the truth of the British tabloid8217;s story regarding passport forgery in Pakistan.8221;

However,he said British authorities have no evidence of anyone travelling to Britain on a fake passport as part of Pakistan8217;s Olympic squad.

8220;Getting accreditation is a lengthy process that requires months of scrutiny. It is almost impossible to become a part of contingent nearer to the start of Games,8221; he said.

The Sun has claimed that it uncovered a Lahore-based ring that could issue passports and documents that would allow terrorists to slip into Britain as support staff for the Pakistani Olympic team.

The Pakistan government has dismissed The Sun8217;s report and said it intends to file a lawsuit against the tabloid.