A private laboratory in Rawalpindi has been sealed after health authorities uncovered an alleged operation involving the sale of fake medical certificates required for overseas travel. During a raid conducted by the Health Department, officials arrested two suspects and recovered a number of fraudulent medical documents from the premises.
The laboratory, located on Murree Road, is accused of issuing counterfeit health certificates to individuals planning to travel abroad for employment, Hajj, and Umrah. According to officials, the fake documents were reportedly sold for thousands of rupees, allowing applicants to bypass mandatory medical screening requirements.
The operation was carried out following information received by the district health authorities. After inspecting the facility, officials sealed the laboratory and launched further investigations to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
District Health Officer Hafiz Jawad Zahid urged citizens planning to travel overseas to remain vigilant and avoid dealing with unauthorised laboratories or individuals offering fake medical documents. He advised travellers to obtain all required vaccination and medical certificates only from authorised facilities operated by the Rawalpindi Health Department.
The health department clarified that official travel health certificates are issued only after conducting mandatory medical examinations and vaccinations for diseases including meningitis, COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB), typhoid, polio, hepatitis, and other infectious illnesses, in accordance with international travel requirements.
Officials warned that using forged medical certificates could lead to serious legal consequences and may also create health risks by allowing untested individuals to travel internationally. They stressed that only genuine medical screening can help protect both travellers and public health.
The Rawalpindi Health Department has also appealed to the public to assist authorities by reporting any laboratories or individuals suspected of issuing fake medical certificates. Officials said public cooperation is essential to eliminate fraudulent practices and ensure that all travellers meet legitimate health and vaccination requirements before departing for destinations abroad.
Investigations into the case are ongoing, and authorities are expected to identify whether more individuals or organisations were involved in the illegal operation.
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