LHC Upholds Inquiry Against FIA Officials Over Alleged Cash Seizure

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday upheld an order for an inquiry into allegations against Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers in Faisalabad, who are accused of unlawfully seizing cash and vehicles from a Pakistan-origin British national while he was in custody.

Justice Jawad Zafar dismissed a petition from Akmal Hussain, a private citizen, who sought to close the inquiry against the FIA officials, including Composite Circle Director Saqib Sultan and Sub-Inspector Ajmal Hussain. The inquiry stems from claims made by Salman Babar, a British citizen who returned to Pakistan after 16 years, alleging that he was targeted by rivals due to a family dispute in the UK.

Advocate Mian Dawood, representing Babar, presented evidence in court, asserting that FIA officials were bribed by Babar’s rivals to act against him. He alleged that the officials summoned Babar and his relatives to the FIA police station, coercing him to transfer Rs1 million to a bank account belonging to his adversaries.

This ruling highlights ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan and raises questions about the influence of personal disputes on legal proceedings. The court’s decision to uphold the inquiry may lead to further scrutiny of the FIA’s practices and its officers’ conduct. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact public trust in the agency and its operations.