Two FIA officers suspended over altercation with jewellery store owner in Karachi's Sarafa Bazaar

Investigation agency says case registered against ‘private individual’ for ‘slapping’ a citizen

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) took disciplinary action against two officers on Tuesday following an incident involving alleged violent behaviour in Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar.

The incident took place on May 15 when the FIA carried out a raid on a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar over alleged silver smuggling, with the FIA stating that its official record showed 178 kilogrammes of silver was expected to be present at the shop, but only 15kg of locally branded silver was recovered during the raid.

It alleged that the remaining 163kg of silver may have been removed during a disturbance created by traders and shopkeepers at the market.

According to a FIA statement issued today, the Karachi Zone director took immediate notice of the incident and ordered legal as well as departmental proceedings.

As part of the action, Assistant Director 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 from his post and transferred to headquarters.

Another officer, Assistant Director Rabab Qazi, was transferred from the Anti-Corruption Circle to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle.

“A case has also been registered against a private individual allegedly involved in slapping a citizen during the incident,” the FIA stated, confirming that a departmental inquiry had been launched against all officers and personnel present at the scene.

The investigation agency said all aspects of the incident were being reviewed transparently and impartially. The FIA Karachi Zone reiterated that abuse of authority, irresponsible conduct, and any actions contrary to the law would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

It said the FIA remained committed to transparency, accountability, professional conduct, and maintaining public trust while ensuring the rule of law at every level.