Seven FIA officials penalised on charges of corruption, misuse of authority

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has awarded departmental punishments to seven more officers and officials involved in misconduct, corruption and abuse of authority.

According to official sources, two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) were dismissed from service, while one ASI and four other officials were awarded punishments ranging from two to three-year ban on their departmental promotions. The punishments were announced during an orderly room held at FIA Headquarters for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, chaired by FIA DG Rifat Mukhtar Raja.

ASI Naveed Hussain Mazhar and ASI Sherjeel Siddiq were dismissed from service on charges of absenteeism. ASI Jawad Ahmed Talha was awarded a three-year promotion stoppage for alleged contact with a human smuggler during his posting at Islamabad Airport. ASI Muhammad Faheem received a two-year promotion stoppage for remaining absent from duty.

Head constables Waqar Hameed, Saqib Ali and Haider Ali were awarded two-year promotion ban for their involvement in an illegal raid. DG FIA Rifat Mukhtar Raja said the purpose of departmental accountability was to ensure strict adherence to legal and professional standards.

Raja stated that corruption, negligence and misuse of authority would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that there was no place in the FIA for officers involved in corruption, poor investigation or misconduct.

He further said that a strict accountability process would continue to purge the institution of corruption and 'black sheep', and stern action was being taken against officials involved in illegal activities. Raja mentioned that a day earlier, seven officials, including an inspector, were also punished.