ISLAMABAD – Federal Investigating Agency Director General (DG) Waseem Ahmed resigned from his post on Wednesday and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani appointed Balochistan Police inspector general (IG) Malik Muhammad Iqbal in his place.
Ahmad sent his resignation to the prime minister, who was in London on a private visit. Waseem had come under severe criticism from the Supreme Court for allegedly providing protection to an accused person in the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam.
A source told Pakistan Today that the former FIA DG had stated in his resignation letter that “very unusual circumstances” had emerged between the two state institutions after his extension as FIA DG and the SC had asked him to quit while the government was insisting he continue.
“I do not consider it appropriate that my extension as FIA DG may undermine any organ of the state. I, therefore, consider it my duty in the interest of the country to submit my resignation,” the source quoted Ahmed as saying in the letter. However, Waseem also said in his resignation that he did not admit to any allegations leveled against him.
“I have not misdirected any official investigation or misused my official position. Regarding the allegations of misusing my official position in any way, I have the right to clear my position and defend myself against them,” Waseem said in the letter, according to the source. Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shabbir Anwer told Pakistan Today that Ahmed had sent his resignation to the prime minister on Tuesday.
“Today, prior to leaving for London on a private visit, the prime minister accepted Waseem Ahmed’s resignation and Balochistan [Police] IG Malik Muhammad Iqbal has been notified as the new FIA DG,” he said.
