Blowback: NADRA chief bristles at being called ‘ex-chairman’

Tariq Malik dismisses FIA’s contentions in a detailed letter.

ISLAMABAD: After denying allegations levelled by the Ministry of Interior, the embattled National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) Chairman Tariq Malik has responded to and refuted the assertions of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in a letter, saying that he was being ‘singled out for victimisation’.

The FIA summoned Malik for an inquiry for a violation of the Passport Act 1974 on December 30. In its letter, the agency addressed Malik as ‘ex-Chairman’.



“I am constrained to believe that the FIA’s inquiry is part of the smear and victimisation campaign which is a sequel to my sudden removal without following due process,” Malik said. He added that he does not want to make the FIA summons a big issue but that he was ‘intriguingly addressed as ex-chairman’ despite the IHC’s stay order.

“I take exception to being singled out for victimisation and regret that the FIA is becoming a party. I would request that the FIA close the inquiry against me and avoid all pressure or temptation to become a part of the campaign of victimisation and harassment I am already suffering.  In particular, I would request that the FIA may not stretch the scope and interpretation of the offences defined in the Passport Act 1974 in a whimsical manner suiting and leading to a pre-determined conclusion of holding me criminally liable,” the letter available to The Express Tribune said.

According to reports, the FIA alleged that Malik concealed facts while obtaining a green passport, including willful concealment of Canadian nationality.

Responding to the questions raised by the FIA, Malik noted that the questionnaire was handed to him on January 1. “I am appalled that the FIA has gone to the press the same day,” said Malik, adding that he was publicly defamed without having given his reply.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2014.