FIA's Illegal Occupation of Hafiz Asghar's Property Raises Concerns

In a significant development in the ongoing case against Hafiz Muhammad Asghar, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has come under scrutiny for the illegal occupation of one of his properties. Asghar, who is facing serious allegations including money laundering and running an illegal cryptocurrency business, recently filed a petition in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad. He claimed that one of his two houses, sealed by the FIA, has been unlawfully occupied by unknown individuals.

The ATC-II Judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, responded promptly to Asghar's petition by summoning the investigation officer from the FIA. The officer was instructed to provide a report regarding the illegal occupancy of the sealed property. On the same day, the investigation officer confirmed that the house, which had been sealed under court orders, was indeed occupied without authorization.

In light of this revelation, Judge Sipra issued a directive for the FIA to restore the previous status of the house. This includes regaining possession of the property and sealing it once again to prevent further illegal occupation. The case against Hafiz Muhammad Asghar is serious; he was charged with money laundering, facilitating anti-state activities, and financing sleeper cells of foreign intelligence agencies. The FIA's investigation led to the recovery of a substantial amount of cash, gold bricks, and laptops from his residence.

On November 8, 2021, ATC Judge M. Ali Warraich ordered the sealing of two properties owned by Asghar in Ghouri Town, Islamabad, following the registration of an FIR against him. The situation escalated further when, on May 15, 2024, another FIR was lodged, indicating that the sealed house had again been illegally occupied.

Adding to the complexity of the case, two head constables from the FIA's Anti-Terrorism Wing were arrested in 2021 for allegedly facilitating Asghar during his physical remand by providing him with a laptop and internet access. This incident raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and the measures taken by the FIA to ensure that justice is served.

The ongoing saga surrounding Hafiz Muhammad Asghar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Pakistan. It highlights the importance of maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that properties involved in criminal investigations are adequately protected. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for the FIA to address these issues transparently and effectively, ensuring that justice prevails and that such illegal occupations do not undermine the legal process.