The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shared information with the relevant departments for an “appropriate action” on the theft of Schengen visa stickers from Italian embassy in Islamabad, the Foreign Office Spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
In response to questions by journalists, Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said the theft of visa stickers was reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the foreign diplomatic mission, after which the information was immediately shared with the concerned departments.
“The information was immediately shared with the concerned authorities for taking appropriate action in this regard,” he said.
Mona Khan, a journalist who covers foreign affairs, tweeted that a newly appointed section officer of Foreign Services of Pakistan (FSP) from the 46th Common Training Program (CTP) stole the tickets and the officer has been suspended.
According to sources Newly appointed section officer (css 46) was involved, corruption charges been proved, alleged Officer has been sacked. https://t.co/uBQQznYr9I
— Mona Khan (@mona_qau) June 29, 2021
According to reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Interior Ministry and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on report of around 1,000 visa stickers stolen from the locker-room of Italian embassy this month.
The concerned departments have been requested to keep track of the visa stickers at all entry and exit points and report any seizure to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more: Pakistani teenager in Italy allegedly murdered for refusing arranged marriage
As per available information, 750 stolen visa stickers have serial numbers from ITA041913251 to ITA041914000 and the 250 visa stickers have the numbers from ITA041915751 to ITA041916000.
1000 Schengen visa stickers stolen from locker of Embassy of Italy in Islamabad. Internal investigation is underway at the embassy. FIA and Ministry of Interior asked by MoFA to keep track of stolen visa stickers at all entry and exit points. pic.twitter.com/H9bQcvqPYj
— Sana Jamal (@Sana_Jamal) June 29, 2021
What is Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is meant for short stays in or transit through the Schengen area of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. A visa issued by one Schengen state is valid for travelling in any Schengen state, but you must apply for the visa from the country of your main destination. If you are travelling to several Schengen states, none of which will be your main destination, you need to apply for the visa from the country that you will enter first.
Schengen member states are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Read more: European leaders continue to be the champions of globalization!
A visa is granted provided that you intend to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires. In addition, you must have sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay and present the relevant supporting documents. A Schengen visa does not automatically permit its holder to enter the Schengen area.
APP with additional input by GVS News Desk