FIA DG records statement in Sindh High Court

Saturday, March 12, 2011

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C03%5C12%5Cstory_12-3-2011_pg12_7

KARACHI: Director General (DG) Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Waseem Ahmed Friday recorded his statement before Justice Sajjad Ali Shah of the Sindh High Court (SHC) in a case pertaining to acquittal by the Banking Court, Karachi and release of directors of Khanani & Kalia International foreign exchange company in a money laundering scam case.

Justice Shah was appointed as an inquiry officer to probe allegations of DG FIA, who alleged that money was used in release of Hanif Kalia, Munaf Kalia, Javed Khanani, Atif Aziz Polani and four bank officials – Syed Wajahat Ali, Arif Rehman, Tasleem Ahmed and Masood Altaf - facing trial in a case pertaining to illegal transfer of huge money abroad.

On March 4, 2011, the Banking Court at Karachi acquitted all accused in the cases registered under the charge of a fraud, Foreign Exchange Regulatory Act and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance by the FIA in 2008.

After recording his statement, Ahmed told newsmen at the SHC premises that the FIA had prepared an appeal against the judgment of the Banking Court and file it soon.

“Whatever statement I have got recorded before the SHC Judge is confidential, so I cannot share its content with the media. It’s a responsible statement. But, since matter is under a probe, so it will not be appropriate to share it,” he said.

DG FIA said: “I fully respect the judiciary and can’t even think of giving any inappropriate statement about the judiciary.”