The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken disciplinary action against two of its officers following an incident at Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar last week in which FIA personnel allegedly manhandled traders during a raid.
The raid took place on May 15, when FIA officials targeted a jewellery shop on suspicion of smuggling silver. The agency’s records had indicated the presence of 178 kgs of silver at the premises, but only 15kg of locally branded silver was recovered. The FIA said that the remaining 163kg may have been removed during a disturbance caused by traders and shopkeepers at the market.
Following the incident, the Karachi Zone director took notice and ordered both legal and departmental proceedings against those involved.
Assistant Director (AD) Syed Ali Mardan Shah, who was serving as in-charge of the FIA Karachi Anti-Corruption Circle with additional charge of deputy director was suspended and transferred to headquarters.
Another officer, Assistant Director Rabab Qazi, was moved from the Anti-Corruption Circle to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle.
The agency also registered a case against a private individual allegedly involved in slapping a citizen during the raid, while a departmental inquiry was launched against all officers and personnel present at the scene.
“A case has also been registered against a private individual allegedly involved in slapping a citizen during the incident,” the FIA stated, adding that all aspects of the incident were being reviewed transparently and impartially.
The FIA Karachi Zone said that abuse of authority, conduct contrary to law and any form of irresponsible behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
