KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered an inquiry into Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officers accused of blocking citizens’ bank accounts and mobile services without proper legal authorization.
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A constitutional bench of the SHC directed the Director General FIA to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of the officials involved and submit a report within three months. The court also ordered that the officers under investigation should not be assigned operational duties during the inquiry period.
Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon observed that citizens’ fundamental rights cannot be restricted solely on the basis of an ongoing inquiry. The court instructed authorities to immediately restore blocked passports, bank accounts, and mobile services if no valid legal orders exist.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioners argued that the FIA had blocked passports, national identity cards, bank accounts, and mobile numbers without prior notice, causing significant financial losses and business disruption. The lawyer further stated that the petitioners had already been acquitted in the related criminal case.
The government’s counsel maintained that proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering Act are separate from the main criminal case and may continue even after an acquittal.
However, the court emphasized that any action affecting citizens’ rights must comply with due process and legal requirements. It noted that FIA letters to banks had been used to freeze accounts without authorization from a competent court or relevant authority.
The SHC ruled that powers under anti-money laundering laws can only be exercised through proper legal procedures and warned that unauthorized actions could amount to misuse of authority. The court directed the FIA chief to review the conduct of subordinate officers and initiate departmental proceedings if evidence of misconduct is found.
The court also warned that future violations of a similar nature could lead to contempt of court proceedings against those responsible.
