FIA summons Tahir Ashrafi over ‘suspicious’ bank transaction

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday summoned Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi after a ‘suspicious’ money transaction was made from his bank account, media reports said.

According to reports, the Pakistan Ulema Council chairman has been served a notice by the agency over allegations of receiving money from western countries.

The said transaction was identified by the FIA’s anti-terrorism wing, reports said, adding that the investigation will commence once Ashrafi appears from the FIA team.

It is pertinent to mention here that In August, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gave Pakistan 15 months to fulfill its requirements, with the deadline set to expire in September 2019.

The FATF identified at least 27 deficiencies pertaining to currency smuggling, hawala, and terror financing of proscribed outfits. A National Action Committee was accordingly formed to deal with the issue.

In October, PM Imran Khan met Ashrafi at the Parliament House where he resolved that the government will play its effective role to address the issues of mosques and seminaries.