LAHORE
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Corporate Crime Circle Lahore, conducted a significant operation against illegal hawala-hundi activities, leading to the arrest of seven individuals involved in illegal currency exchange operations.
According to the FIA spokesperson here on Wednesday that a case has been registered against a 9-member gang operating in the area. The individuals were identified as Muhammad Hanif, Muhammad Irfan, Farhan Javed, Hamid Riaz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Shehryar Ahmed, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Farooq, and Mukhtar Ali. The suspects were apprehended in the DHA area of Lahore while engaged in the illegal exchange of currency.
A significant quantity of both local and foreign currencies was seized, including 11 million Pakistani rupees, 708 US dollars, 2,145 Emirati dirhams, 275 British pounds, 1,500 Canadian dollars, 600 Chinese yuan, 225 Qatari riyals, 314 Omani riyals, and 100 South African rand. In addition, Hawala-Hundi receipts, mobile phones, and other evidence were recovered during the raid.
The arrested suspects were taken into custody, and an investigation was currently underway.FIA Lahore Zone Director Sarfraz Khan said that those responsible for damaging the national economy would face no leniency. The operation against illegal hawala-hundi activities would continue,” he added, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to curbing such financial crimes.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 in his office today. He was accompanied by MNA Syed Naveed Qamar as well as Sindh Planning Minister, Chief Secretary Sindh, Chairman P&D Sindh and Finance Secretary Sindh. The meeting was also attended by the Finance Minister as well as Secretaries of relevant Federal Divisions.
Reviewed in detail the on-going development projects included in Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of Sindh.
Deliberated upon the issues related to allocations, implementation and approvals of the reviewed projects, particularly pertaining to road connectivity, water storage, schools infrastructure and housing.
Discussed in detail the approval and implementation status of such projects.
Agreed that timely completion of projects within approved cost was imperative for the development of Sindh province and betterment of the population.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister assured the Chief Minister of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure full and timely release of funds for all approved projects. He further assured that any increase in cost of on-going projects will be expeditiously considered by CDWP and ECNEC for decision.
