Farhatullah Babar Challenges FIA Inquiry as Islamabad Court Intervenes
The Islamabad High Court's decision to intervene in the case has significant implications for the protection of human rights defenders in Pakistan, and the outcome of the case will be closely watched by advocates for transparency and accountability. The FIA's actions have been challenged as unlawful and arbitrary, and the court's decision will determine the extent to which the agency can pursue inquiries against individuals without providing them with due process and access to information.
Former Senator Farhatullah Babar has filed a writ petition in the Islamabad High Court against the Federal Investigation Agency's anti-corruption inquiry, alleging it is unlawful and part of a campaign to silence him for his human rights advocacy.
The FIA launched the inquiry based on a private complaint from a Rawalpindi resident, but Babar was denied access to the complaint and supporting documents. He claims the FIA has violated his constitutional rights and is seeking to quash the inquiry and restrain the agency from arresting or harassing him until the case is resolved. The inquiry was initiated in March over alleged corruption, tax evasion, and illicit asset accumulation.
Babar appeared before the FIA on March 28 but was not provided with a copy of the complaint. Instead, he was sent a 12-point questionnaire via WhatsApp with a deadline that had already passed. He alleges the FIA's actions were targeted at his human rights advocacy, particularly his efforts to push for intelligence agency accountability. The Islamabad High Court has restrained the FIA from harassing Babar and issued a notice to the agency and other respondents to submit their replies.
The court's intervention has provided temporary relief to Babar, who has been a vocal advocate for human rights and accountability in Pakistan. The case is set to be heard again in June, and the outcome will be closely watched by human rights defenders and advocates for transparency and accountability in the country.