The Pakistan Embassy in Kabul has rejected reports that it had any knowledge of the Kabul visa black market.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, talking to Arab News, said it “has no official agents, intermediaries, or affiliated travel companies authorized to collect money” from visa applicants.
“The embassy’s official visa fee is published transparently and must be paid directly via credit card. We are aware that many applicants lack credit cards and often rely on local agents for assistance with the online payment,” said Sayed Khizar Ali, the embassy’s press counsellor, in a statement to Arab News.
“Our commitment to a transparent, fair, and accessible visa system for our Afghan brothers remains unwavering.”
When approached by Arab News, the Afghan Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the reports, multiple travel agencies in Kabul and Nangarhar that earlier confirmed to Arab News that Pakistani visas are traded on the black market have maintained their statements.
However, Pakistan has categorically denied any role in the Kabul visa black market.
