Ex-IWMB chair booked for graft

Rina Satti faces allegations of corruption, misuse of authority & financial irregularities

ISLAMABAD:

The Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle in Islamabad has formally lodged a case against Rina Saeed Khan Satti, former chair of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), on serious charges, including alleged corruption, abuse of authority, and inflicting financial loss on the national exchequer, among various other violations. Raids are reportedly underway in connection with her arrest.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Islamabad, who brought to light significant irregularities within the Board. These concerns formed the basis of Inquiry Report No 83/2025, which uncovered multiple allegations against Khan, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

The FIR alleges that Khan diverted donations intended for the Wildlife Board into her personal bank accounts. Furthermore, she is accused of approving the sale and transfer of brown bears to the international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, despite clear opposition and protests from fellow board members.

Additional allegations include misuse of official powers, disregard for institutional decisions, unauthorised procurements, and violations of public procurement regulations. Khan is also accused of engaging legal services without obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Law.

There are reports that, during her tenure, the illegal disbursement of Eid honorariums resulted in a financial loss exceeding Rs3.2 million to the public purse.

Other financial discrepancies identified include payments made to staff via cross cheques for the purchase of animal feed, unauthorised spending from personal accounts, and flagrant breaches of financial protocols.

The inquiry further reveals the unlawful award of contracts in the Margalla Hills region, with deliberate violations of the standard bidding process. These actions are said to reflect personal bias and constitute a serious misuse of official authority. There are also indications of the improper use of a foreign currency account.

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the FIA has registered a case under Sections 109, 409, and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The involvement of other board members and associated individuals will be determined as the investigation progresses.

FIA officials have confirmed that the case has been formally registered, the inquiry remains ongoing, and raids are currently being conducted in efforts to apprehend the accused..