One in every 3 Pakistani visa to Britain fake: Report

London, June 21 (ANI): Massive irregularities have been unearthed in Britain's immigration system with a shocking disclosure that more than one in every three successful visa applications from Pakistani citizens "lacked credibility".

According to a secret internal report, which has been now leaked to The Sunday Times, travel permits were given to thousands of Pakistanis to visit Britain without even the most basic checks and investigations.

The UK Border Agency official, who made the report public, claimed that it (report) was prepared two years ago, but was 'effectively shelved' by senior officials.

He also claimed that senior managers ignored the concerns raised by Chris Taylor, an official who was sent to Pakistan to investigate the issue.

Bogus bank accounts and letters of introduction from non-existent British companies were being used for the large scale forgery, the report said.

Hinting at a massive scam, Taylor had said in his report that there was an immediate need of a thorough enquiry into the issue.

"More checks and interviews could have been undertaken," said Taylor.

Expressing concern over the issue, Chris Grayling, the shadow home secretary, termed the report as 'profoundly disturbing'

"It reveals the chaos in our immigration system. Given the much publicized terrorism issue in relation to Pakistan, it raises the question that has the government left a gaping loophole in our security?" The Times quoted Grayling, as saying.

The disclosure has once again raised fears about probable terror threats to Britain from illegal Pakistani immigrants. Every year about 10,000 Pakistan civilians are granted student visas to Britain, and thousands more visit the United Kingdom as tourists or business travelers. (ANI)