Four FIA officers served show cause notices for not presenting final challan against accused in Haj corruption case
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued show cause notices to four officers of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) including additional director Khalid Rasool for not presenting final challan in trial court against the accused persons in Haj corruption case.
He gave these remarks while pressing over a three-member bench of SC during the course of hearing of implementation of court decision in Hajj corruption case Tuesday.
The court has sought reply from these four officers including additional director Khalid Rasool, one investigation officer and inquiry members within two weeks as to why contempt of court proceedings be not initiated against them for not presenting final challan in trial court.
Justice Anwar Zahir Jamali remarked, “Five years have elapsed but final challan has not been presented against the accused persons. Only interim challan was presented against accused Ahmad Faiz. We are not satisfied with FIA investigation. The accused indulged in corruption in sacred matter of Hajj could not be brought to justice. No compromise can be made in such matters. Non initiation of proceedings against the accused despite repeated orders of the court is failure on the part of FIA.”
Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Sohail Mehmood appeared in the court and told that final challan has not been presented against the accused in the court, therefore, some time more be given.
The court while expressing displeasure over it remarked, “Were five years not enough that more time should be given. Five years have elapsed but no action has been taken against the accused so far.”
The DAG told the court that Ahmad Faiz who is the prime accused in committing corruption with pilgrims has been brought from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. A final challan has not been presented against him so far. However, interim challan has been presented.
The court expressed resentment over it remarking, “Haj corruption matter brought defamation to country but all fell flat on the ears of law enforcement agencies.”
The court while adjourning the hearing of the case for two weeks issued show-cause notices to four FIA officers including inquiry committee members, investigation officer and FIA additional director Khalid Rasool and sought reply from them as to why contempt of court proceedings be not initiated against them.
