Citizens accuse officials of extorting up to Rs20,000 per application, raising urgent questions about governance and accountability.
WANA: Serious allegations of corruption at the passport office in Wana have triggered widespread public anger, with residents demanding immediate government intervention and transparent investigations.
Local citizens claim that officials at the office are openly demanding bribes under the guise of verification procedures. According to multiple complaints, applicants are being forced to pay between Rs10,000 and Rs20,000 per passport, despite having complete documentation.
Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Arshad Haroon Wazir, said the situation is alarming. He alleged that even applicants with valid documents are subjected to unnecessarily complex verification processes involving multiple authorities, including local elders, police stations, and administrative officers.
“These steps can take over two weeks and cost applicants heavily,” he said, adding that the same process is allegedly bypassed within hours if a bribe is paid.
Wazir further claimed that certain communities, particularly from remote tribal areas, are being disproportionately targeted and pressured into paying illegal fees. Additional allegations include forcing applicants to convert simple domicile certificates into online versions, costing up to Rs10,000 extra.
The controversy has raised serious concerns about administrative integrity and public trust. Lawmakers, including Zubair Khan Wazir and Ajab Gul Wazir, are now under pressure to act.
Residents have urged authorities to suspend the accused officials, launch a high-level inquiry, and restore transparency in public services. Failure to act, they warn, could lead to protests and escalation.
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