FIA Reforms Notice-Issuing Authority to Enhance Transparency

Karachi: Additional Director General (South) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Mujahid Akbar Khan, announced a significant shift in the notice-issuing authority within the agency, transferring it from Investigation Officers to Deputy Directors. This move aims to bolster transparency and restore confidence among the public and business community. During a meeting with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Khan emphasized the importance of these changes, highlighting the introduction of a barcode system to track notices online.

Khan also revealed plans to appoint a focal person at KATI to address industrialists’ concerns more efficiently, contingent upon approval from the Director General. He assured the business community of the FIA’s commitment to eliminating fake or coercive notices while maintaining fairness in operations. The measures align with compliance efforts to meet Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements, which have helped Pakistan exit the FATF black and grey lists.

The meeting, attended by prominent business figures including KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and others, underscored the need for mutual trust between the FIA and the industrial sector. Rajput stressed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and advocated for modern strategies to tackle new forms of economic crime.

Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya highlighted the importance of rebuilding confidence in the FIA to prevent harassment-related fears that deter industrialists from filing complaints. He urged for better coordination between the agency and the business community to mitigate exploitation through fake notices.

Danish Khan, Standing Committee Chairman, reiterated the need for an FIA focal person at KATI and suggested leveraging modern technology for transparent investigations. He appreciated the FIA’s actions against hawala and hundi networks but called for improved facilities at airports to support legitimate business activities.

KITE Limited CEO Zahid Saeed and former KATI President Masood Naqi also contributed to the discussion, supporting the need for continued collaboration between the FIA and industrial stakeholders.