Seven FIA staffers held for cheating in test

Investigations under way to arrest facilitators

RAWALPINDI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Wednesday arrested its seven trainee sub-inspectors for using unfair means in written exams to get appointments or promotions in the federal agency.

Following a thorough investigation, the FIA said its Anti-Corruption Cell (ACC) in Islamabad had registered cases against seven staffers.

The FIA said it had received complaints via its social accounts that some candidates had cheated in the writing exam of its Open Testing Service (OTS). Following the complaints, FIA Director General Wajid Zia had issued inquiry orders to the ACC in Islamabad.

Complying with the orders, the FIA called back the candidates who were undergoing training after clearing the written test.

FIA officials said the successful applicants were made to sit fresh exams conducted by the agency wherein some of them secured very low marks in the newly-conducted test.

A forensic analysis of the handwriting and signatures of the candidates was also conducted, they said, adding that after it was established that seven of them had cheated in the exams, they were arrested and cases were registered against them. Officials said investigations were under way to find those who facilitated the accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2021.