The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) and PPP on Wednesday sentenced an investigation by the Federal Research Agency (FIA) on former Farhatullah Babar senator for a “citizen complaint” claiming “corruption, tax evasion and accumulation of illicit assets.”
Sources said Dawn.com that Babar had already appeared before the FIA anti -corruption cell in Islamabad one day before Eid’s holidays responded to the notice, issued by the FIA for a complaint filed by a citizen at the Morgah premises in Rawalpindi.
The FIA had asked Babar to produce documents on his income and assets after EID holidays, which Babar requested that the FIA would provide a copy of the complaint, as well as copies of notices issued by the Federal Income Board and any other document based on the plaintiff’s accusations.
The HCRP issued a statement on X condemning the investigation of the FIA, stating that the basis of the investigation on a citizen’s complaint “raises serious doubts about its legitimacy.”
“According to the complaint of a private citizen, the time of this investigation raises serious doubts about his legitimacy, since Babar, which has been the driving force behind some of Pakistan’s most progressive laws and also serves in the HRCP Governing Council, has long been a vocal critic of state policies and institutions,” the rights body wrote.
HRCP described research as an “example of the legal machinery of the state of arms to silence dissent and harass those who speak.”
He added that the investigation was “a dangerous precedent, especially when the individual in question has contributed significantly to the democratic and human rights of Pakistan.”
“HRCP solidarity with Mr. Babar and demands that the investigation be withdrawn and that the State issues a public apology,” says the statement.
The PPP MNA and the Secretary of Central Information, Shazia Marri, also issued a statement criticizing the “without foundation” investigation of the FIA, qualifying it as “unfortunate” that the former leader and former PPP senator was under investigation.
“It is extremely worrying that the FIA has initiated an investigation without foundation against Farhatullah Babar,” Marri said.
“For decades, Babar Sahib He was with the oppressed, raised the human rights voice and demanded responsibility to the authorities with moral dignity and insight, “he added, cheering Babar as” a brilliant example of honesty, principles and commitment to democratic values. “
He lamented that it was “ridiculous” that Babar was subject to an investigation for alleged misuse of power when he occupied “no government position during the last decade.”
“This investigation, apparently initiated on the basis of a private complaint, is not only inoportuna but also has suspicious motifs,” said Marri. “Such tactics not only undermine public trust in institutions, but also demoralize those who dare to tell the truth.”
The former Federal Minister, Fawad Chaudhry, also expressed his surprise for research on “one of the best souls of Pakistani politics” in an X position.
“His views on democracy and the Republic are known since decades [and] His integrity is out of doubt, “Chaudhry wrote.” This is too much and against each standard. “
Several prominent journalists also condemned the move of the FIA.
