Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul has firmly rejected reports suggesting that Afghan citizens are obtaining Pakistani visas through illegal channels by paying large sums of money in the black market. According to officials, any extra fees being charged by private agents or intermediaries have no connection with the embassy or its staff.
The clarification came after several media reports claimed that some Afghans seeking to travel to Pakistan were paying travel agents significant amounts of money to secure visas more quickly. In some cases, it was alleged that individuals were paying up to 1,800 dollars in unofficial fees for a single Pakistani visa, far exceeding the official cost.
Responding to these claims, the Pakistani embassy issued a statement emphasizing that the official visa process is transparent and clearly defined. The embassy stressed that applicants are only required to pay the government-approved visa fee and that any additional charges demanded by agents are unauthorized.
Officials explained that the embassy does not work with unofficial brokers or middlemen. If private travel agents are collecting money from applicants, they are doing so independently and without any involvement from the embassy. The statement also urged Afghan citizens to avoid paying extra money to individuals who claim they can guarantee faster visa processing.
The embassy further noted that the official fee for a Pakistani visa is approximately 25 dollars. This payment is made through a digital system as part of the online application process. Authorities emphasized that applicants should rely only on the official platform when submitting visa requests to ensure transparency and security.
Pakistan’s Press Counselor in Kabul, Syed Hazar Ali, also commented on the matter, stating that Afghan citizens should have access to a fair and straightforward visa process. According to him, Pakistan is committed to ensuring that Afghan applicants receive visas through a clear and efficient system. He added that Pakistani missions in Kabul and Nangarhar are working to facilitate Afghan applicants and maintain transparency in the visa issuance process.
However, some travel agency representatives have offered a different perspective. One travel agency manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that many Afghan citizens turn to agents because they believe it increases their chances of receiving a visa quickly. According to him, demand for Pakistani visas has remained high, prompting many people to seek alternative ways to secure travel documents.
The manager said that since October of last year, his agency has been handling dozens of visa-related requests each day. He claimed that despite ongoing tensions and disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a large number of Afghans still want to travel to Pakistan for various reasons, including business, medical treatment, and family visits.
He also suggested that many applicants believe visas submitted through agents tend to be processed faster than those submitted directly online. Because of this perception, some people are willing to pay additional fees in the hope of avoiding long waiting periods.
Other visa agents have reportedly acknowledged that there is a market for Pakistani visas outside official channels. According to them, the high demand combined with delays in the application process has created opportunities for unofficial intermediaries to charge large sums of money from desperate applicants.
Despite these claims, Pakistani authorities maintain that the embassy follows a transparent procedure and that any illegal financial transactions are not linked to the official system. The embassy reiterated that no staff member is authorized to collect additional payments beyond the official visa fee.
The issue highlights the broader challenges many Afghan citizens face when trying to obtain travel documents. For many, Pakistan remains an important destination due to its proximity, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare and education.
Some Afghan citizens say that delays in the visa process can be frustrating. One Afghan applicant, identified as Asma, said she applied for a Pakistani visa online about four months ago but has not yet received any response. According to her, she completed all the required steps through the official system but has heard nothing since submitting the application.
Asma said that the lack of updates or communication makes the process difficult for applicants. She added that such delays sometimes push people toward agents who claim they can accelerate the process in exchange for additional fees.
Analysts say that situations like this can create an environment where unofficial networks take advantage of public demand. When applicants face uncertainty or long waiting times, they may be more likely to rely on intermediaries who promise quicker results.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not issued an official statement regarding the allegations of visa black markets. Despite requests for comment, the Afghan authorities have so far remained silent on the matter.
Experts believe that improving communication and ensuring transparency in visa processing could help reduce the influence of illegal intermediaries. If applicants receive clear information about procedures, timelines, and requirements, they are less likely to fall victim to fraudulent practices.
The Pakistani embassy has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent visa system for Afghan citizens. Officials have urged applicants to use only official channels and to report any suspicious activity involving individuals who demand extra money in exchange for visas.
According to the embassy, strengthening the official process is essential to protecting applicants from exploitation and ensuring that visas are issued according to proper regulations. The statement concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s intention to facilitate Afghan travelers while preventing misuse of the visa system.
Overall, the controversy surrounding alleged black market visa fees highlights the high demand for travel between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the need for clear procedures that prevent misuse and ensure equal access for all applicants.