Tag: FIA

  • Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Amir Saeed, a Grade 17 officer working as the director of the Punjab Local Fund Audit Department at a Grade 20 level with the approval of the relevant authorities, is facing allegations of receiving kickbacks while supposedly conducting audits of different local government departments during his tenure from 2019 to 2022, SAMMA has reported. 

    The report indicates that Saeed used his position and influence to dishonestly obtain benefits from officials by employing various deceitful methods, such as making recommendations for officials to attend training programmes, handling pension disbursements, arranging transfers and postings, and manipulating record-checking procedures.

    Numerous complaints were filed against Saeed, accusing him of corruption and unethical practices. These complaints have been lodged with several authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell, the Anti-Corruption Establishment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and various other forums.

    In spite of the allegations and the evidence put forward, no significant action has been taken up to this point.

    Nevertheless, an investigation into the accusations was initiated by the director general of the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment in 2022. This inquiry also failed to produce any outcomes, allowing Saeed to avoid being held accountable.

    At present, Amir Saeed holds the position of an auditor at Arfa Karim University, although his rank has been reduced from 20 to 17.

  • PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), executed two highly effective operations in Sargodha targeting unauthorised internet service providers.

    The initial operation unfolded in the RB Block of Rose Valley Society, while the second operation was conducted at Burj-e-Umar Plaza on Mian Khan Road, as detailed in an official press release issued on Friday.

    During these operations, law enforcement apprehended one individual, and a range of equipment used by these illicit internet service providers, such as switches, routers, laptops, antennas, and more, was seized. These entities had been offering internet services without the requisite licence from PTA, both in Sargodha and its adjoining regions.

    These successful crackdowns against unauthorised ISPs became possible due to the unwavering commitment and persistent efforts of the PTA in monitoring and addressing the issue of illegal internet services. According to ARY News, this proactive approach aims to reduce financial losses to the national Treasury caused by tax evasion and revenue misreporting.

  • Imran, Qureshi to appear at court on October 4

    Imran, Qureshi to appear at court on October 4

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been summoned by a special court established under the Official Secrets Act on October 4 in the cipher case.

    The development occurred two days after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted a challan against Imran and Qureshi.

    Special court judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain has sent notices to respondents, stating that there are enough witnesses to call the suspects to court.

    Judge Zulqarnain directed the superintendent of Adiala jail to present the PTI chief and vice chairman in court on October 4.

    The FIA, in its charge sheet, stated that the former prime minister and former foreign minister were found guilty in the case and requested the court to sentence them in cipher case.

    According to the sources of Geo, the name of former finance minister Asad Umar is not on FIA’s list. On the other hand, Imran Khan’s principle secretary, Azam Khan, is a “strong witness” in the same case.

  • FIA submits challan against PTI leaders in cipher case

    FIA submits challan against PTI leaders in cipher case

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has filed a challan against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case on Saturday.

    The agency asked the court to hold the two at trial and sentence them, claiming that the former prime minister and vice chairman were found guilty in the matter.

    According to Geo’s sources, Asad Umar, former PTI secretary-general, was not included on the list of suspects. Azam Khan, formerly Imran Khan’s principal secretary, has been referred to as a “strong witness” in the case.

    The FIA also included Azam Khan’s confessions made under Sections 161 and 164 with the challan that Imran Khan keep the cipher to himself and used against the state.
    Last month, FIA booked Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi under official secret act for misusing and misplacing classified document for their political interests.

    “Consequent upon the conclusion of the enquiry No. 111/2023 dated 05.10.2022, registered in the CTW, FIA Islamabad, it transpired that former prime minister namely Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, former foreign minister namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi and their other associates are involved in communications of information contained in the secret classified document (Cipher Telegram received from Parep. Washington dated 7th March, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised person (i.e. public at large) by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security,” read the first information report (FIR) registered against the PTI leaders.

  • May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    The Punjab police have pressed charges of ‘criminal conspiracy’ against Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), and all other suspects in May 9 cases across the province. Official sources have disclosed to Dawn that a total of 50 cases were registered, encompassing charges under anti-terrorism and other relevant laws. Among these, 14 cases were filed in various police stations in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while nine were recorded in Sargodha, seven in Sheikhupura, five in Faisalabad, and one in Gujranwala.

    Moreover, the Punjab police have recently added offenses under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or aiding such efforts against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to influence a soldier, sailor, or airman from their duty), and 146 (rioting) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to the FIRs.

    Dr. Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, Lahore SSP (Investigation), while talking to the media, revealed that the police have also incorporated certain offenses/sections, including 34 and 120b of the PPC, into the May 9 cases.

    Section 34 reads: “Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each such person is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.”

    Section 120b states: “Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.”

    As per the Lahore police’s investigation, Dr. Chaudhry stated that there appears to be substantial evidence confirming incitement to mutiny and the planning of vandalism on May 9.

    Responding to a question regarding Imran Khan’s presence at the crime scene, she emphasized that it is immaterial whether he was physically there or not, as evidence suggests that he incited the suspects to carry out violent attacks on sensitive installations of the Pakistan Army.

    Dr. Chaudhry further noted that the prosecution and police are awaiting final reports from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) concerning videos and other evidence related to the planners and perpetrators of the May 9 incidents. She assured that all objections raised by the prosecution have been addressed, and the challans for the May 9 cases will be submitted to the courts of law after receiving reports from the FIA and Pemra.

  • Farah Gogi might become approver against Imran and Bushra

    Farah Gogi might become approver against Imran and Bushra

    According to the sources of The News, former First Lady Bushra Bibi’s close friend Farah Gogi is going to provide evidence against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife.

    According Murtaza Ali Shah’s report for The News, Farah Gogi has been in contact with Pakistani authorities and has been cooperating with them for nearly a month now.

    On the other hand, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has told Farah Gogi and her husband Ahsan Jameel Gujjar not to cooperate with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other legal institutions.

    According to trusted sources, Farah Gogi has also shared important information with the Pakistani authorities.

    The sources stated that Farah Gogi was asked to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first week of May after the Pakistani government informed the Gulf state that she was a wanted individual and had engaged in corrupt activities while living in Dubai.

    Farah Gogi started a conversation with the Pakistani authorities after reaching Italy, as she has been blacklisted, which means she is unable to enter the UAE because of the cases filed against her.

    According to Pakistani investigators, Farah is involved in selling a Graff watch set, gifted to then-Premier Imran Khan by the Saudi crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman, to Dubai-based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor for $2 million.

    She has also been named in cases related to bribes for postings and transfers during Usman Buzdar’s tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab. Allegations have been made that the bribes were funneled through Farah Gogi to Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan.

    Azhar Siddique, who is currently in the UK, has been aiding Farah Gogi with her legal issues. He told Murtaza Ali Shah that he was in contact with Farah Gogi and her husband, but he was unaware of their whereabouts. He has also said, “All allegations against Farah Gogi are politically motivated and false. She has done nothing wrong. There is no case against her”.

    Azhar Siddique has also said that he has no knowledge if Farah Gogi is in contact with Pakistani authorities or negotiating with them.

  • In aftermath of Masood’s suicide, govt blocks 43 loan apps

    In aftermath of Masood’s suicide, govt blocks 43 loan apps

    The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) on Tuesday blocked 43 illegal loan apps operating in the country following Masood suicide case.

    The Ministry has initiated a crackdown on illegal loan apps operating in Pakistan. The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication stated that the ministry has acted swiftly to implement instructions for blocking these apps.

    The suicide of an unemployed man, Masood, in Rawalpindi who became a victim of an illegal loan app, has jolted the government into action. In a significant move against such scams and to save people from falling prey to online loan sharks, the government has decided to take the matter very seriously and therefore, the IT minister has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against such entities without waiting for complaints.

    The minister stressed the importance of launching an awareness campaign to protect people from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
    A survey conducted earlier this year by Karandaaz Pakistan, a nonprofit organization, revealed that the number of Pakistanis using personal finance apps has more than doubled to 19% in 2022 compared to two years prior. To thwart this growing menace, a crackdown is being carried out nationwide, and citizens are advised to check the SECP website to verify whether a company’s app is licensed or not.

    It has been strictly advised that the individuals should report complaints to relevant authorities, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Division, and local police, in order to take appropriate action against such apps.

    In this regard, FIA Director General has also instructed all cybercrime units to take strict action against companies and individuals offering loans through unregistered and illegal mobile applications.

  • FIA report reveals fake LLB students

    FIA report reveals fake LLB students

    Nearly 4000 students from affiliated law colleges of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) in Multan are suspected of being “non-genuine”, according to a  Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) report.

    The FIA submitted the report to the Supreme Court on Monday, which disclosed that 3,997 individuals allegedly attempted to sit the LLB exam without ever attending classes.

    According to Dawn, the FIA, along with officials from the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), constituted a joint investigation team (JIT) to question BZU officials and law college owners as ordered by the Supreme Court.

    The team examined BZU’s records and found that 3,997 students were suspected of being non-genuine. An additional 2,230 students are currently under investigation, but no adverse findings have been reported thus far.

    The JIT recommended taking legal action against the BZU officials and law colleges involved in the alleged fraud. It also called for improvements in the system of affiliating law colleges, registering students, collecting fees, and monitoring attendance to prevent future scams.

  • Federal govt contemplating strict law to counter social media ‘propaganda’

    Federal govt contemplating strict law to counter social media ‘propaganda’

    The outgoing federal government is contemplating strict laws to counter social media disinformation and propaganda, geo.tv had reported.

    The government is mulling amending the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) so that “fake news targeting the reputation and image of a particular person or group of people, organisation, or other entity will be checked by all available means,” a source told Saleh Zafar.

    The authority of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be increased to keep a check on social media, while an ‘e-safety’ law will be introduced to protect official portals.

    The report also claims that a new section will be added to PECA to ensure “stringent” action against culprits. Officials say that FIA is powerless even in instances of fake news.

  • Refugees, migrants return home after boat tragedy, file cases against traffickers

    Refugees, migrants return home after boat tragedy, file cases against traffickers

    After the migrant boat disaster that occurred off the coast of Greece earlier in June, claiming the lives of over 300 Pakistani immigrants, around 40-50 Pakistanis that were initially waiting in Libya to set sail for Italy are now returning home.

    According to reports by Dawn, these illegal immigrants had paid at least PKR 2.5 million each to different human traffickers and their agents, in order to reach Europe via sea travel. However, last month’s horrific tragedy has prompted many to return home to Pakistan. 

    Upon their return, complaints were lodged against the human traffickers in order to reclaim the astronomical amounts paid. According to the Station House officer of Gujrat Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) police station, Irtaza Ansar Warraich, 125 cases have been filed in the last four weeks in connection to the boat tragedy. Of these complainants, those recently returning from Libya are also included.

    Most of the returning immigrants are residents of Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin, as reported by a local senior official of the FIA in a conversation with Dawn. 

    According to one of the last total 12 Pakistani nationals who survived the boat tragedy, Usman Siddique, there is allegedly 20,000 illegal immigrants who are at human trafficker safe houses in Libya, waiting for their turn to travel to Europe.

    Officer Warraich also told Dawn that, since the boat disaster, at least 35 suspects involved in illegal human trafficking have been arrested, including notorious trafficker Muhammad Saleem Suniara. 

    Suniara had nine cases registered against him in FIA’s Gujrat circle alone. He is also accused of sending money via hundi to his brother Asif Suniara, who is the main person accused in the migrant boat tragedy.

    According to Aaj News, Asif is allegedly hiding in Libya currently and still operating safe houses containing migrants waiting to be moved to Europe.