Daily Times

Sir: Reports have emerged in newspapers, including this esteemed paper, that Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked to make the working of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) effective and efficient. He has also asked the higher ups to identify the inefficient and corrupt, and the informers within the set up, and to remove them. Well, it will have to be seen if FIA officials listen to their boss. It is common knowledge that FIA probes are delayed, twisted, changed or even completely stalled to give advantage to the corrupt and powerful. Newspaper reports suggest that there has been massive corruption in state-owned enterprises worth Rs 800 billion in the last five years. Even after investigations are completed and proved, not a single culprit has been apprehended.

Recently, it was announced that 17 employees of the state-owned oil marketing company were proved to have been involved in corruption and embezzlement of government or public monies. Later, the FIA asked its headquarters to approve registering an FIR against the initial five but approval was not granted. Credible reports cited reasons of extreme pressure from the powerful oil mafia, which has already eaten up the country’s economy. Mr Minister, even you cannot walk your talk when it comes to apprehending the culprits. Why is the FIA head office not approving registration of FIRs against such culprits is a question you have to answer, please.

YAWAR ALI

Karachi