LHC Upholds Inquiry into FIA Officials Over Alleged Cash Seizure

News Desk

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld an order for an inquiry against officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Faisalabad, following allegations of the unlawful seizure of cash and vehicles from a Pakistan-origin British national while he was in custody.

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Jawad Zafar, who dismissed a petition from Akmal Hussain, a private citizen seeking to halt the inquiry against the FIA officials involved.

During the proceedings, Advocate Mian Dawood, representing Salman Babar, the British citizen at the center of the allegations, presented evidence to the court.

Babar, who has been involved in the vehicle trade in the UK, returned to Pakistan after 16 years only to find himself embroiled in a family dispute that allegedly involved bribery of FIA officials by his rivals.

The inquiry focuses on claims that FIA officials coerced Babar and his relatives into transferring Rs1 million to a rival’s bank account while he was detained.

This case raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan and their susceptibility to corruption.

The implications of this ruling could resonate beyond this individual case, potentially affecting public trust in the FIA and similar institutions tasked with upholding the law. As allegations of misconduct surface, the need for accountability within these agencies becomes increasingly urgent.

Moving forward, the inquiry will continue as the court has mandated further investigation into the actions of the FIA officials. Legal experts anticipate that this case may lead to broader discussions about reforming practices within the FIA to prevent future abuses of power.