FBR denies halting legal proceedings against Ayyan

Says all aspects of the case are being investigated and dealt with without any lapse

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Monday denied reports that it had halted an investigation into the case of model Ayyan Ali for alleged money laundering, terming all reports to the contrary as false.

In a statement issued on Monday, the FBR “clarified that some sections of the press and electronic media have wrongly reported that FBR has halted investigation and prosecution into the case of Ayyan Ali.”

Read: Money-laundering case: Ayyan probe speeded up amid fresh proof

“All other aspects of the case are being investigated and dealt with relevant provisions of law without any lapse.”

The FBR statement added that the body had not issued any directions to its any formation or officer to stop investigation or prosecution in this case.

Ayyan had been arrested by Pakistan Customs on March 14, 2015, at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad on charges of currency smuggling amounting to $0.5 million. A case was registered against her under the Customs Act 1969.

Read: Supermodel Ayyan sent on judicial remand for twelfth time

The statement said that after completing investigations into the case, the Investigation & Prosecution Cell of MCC Islamabad Customs had submitted a complete challan within due course of time with the Special Judge Customs, Islamabad. A subsequent trial was underway with a hearing scheduled for June 29.

Ayyan after dismissal of her bail applications by the trial court had filed an application in the Lahore High Court for which a hearing is to due to be held on June 26, added the statement.