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Court Restrains FIA from Harassing Senator Babar Amid Anti-Corruption Probe
Senator Farhatullah Babar challenges FIA's inquiry in IHC, calling it a baseless "fishing expedition." Court restrains FIA from harassment, seeks agency’s reply.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-12
Court Restrains FIA from Harassing Senator Babar Amid Anti-Corruption Probe

Islamabad, June 11, 2025 — The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from harassing senior PPP leader and human rights advocate Senator Farhatullah Babar in connection with an anti-corruption inquiry initiated against him in March.

Babar, who currently serves as head of the PPP’s Human Rights Cell, had approached the IHC under Article 199 of the Constitution, seeking to quash the ongoing FIA investigation, which he called a “mala fide fishing expedition” targeting him for his outspoken criticism of state institutions.

The case was heard by Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas, who adjourned the proceedings until the last week of June and issued notices to the FIA and Ministry of Interior, asking them to submit detailed responses.

Background of the Case

The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) launched an inquiry against Babar in March 2025 following a complaint from a citizen named Touseef Abbas in Rawalpindi. The allegations include corruption, tax evasion, and illicit asset accumulation.

Babar appeared before the FIA in Islamabad on March 28, but his counsel told the court that the agency failed to share a copy of the complaint or outline specific charges. The petition said that on April 11, a 12-point questionnaire was sent to Babar via WhatsApp, but with a response deadline of April 7 — four days before it was received.

Legal Position

Babar’s legal team, comprising Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, argued that the FIA had issued vague, arbitrary notices in violation of due process. They alleged that the inquiry lacked any legal foundation and was being used as a tool of harassment.

The petition claimed the FIA’s actions violated Babar’s fundamental rights, especially in light of his public role as a human rights defender, including efforts to regulate intelligence agencies and advance civilian oversight.

“The conduct of the FIA is unlawful, illegal, arbitrary, and mala fide,” the petition stated. “No specific allegation or documentary evidence has been shared despite repeated requests.”

Court Proceedings

The court acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and procedural inconsistencies raised by the petitioner’s counsel. In an interim relief, the court directed the FIA to refrain from harassing or arresting Babar and maintain transparency throughout the process.

The FIA has been asked to submit a detailed reply clarifying the legal basis for the inquiry and whether proper procedure was followed.

Political and Legal Implications

Farhatullah Babar, a three-term senator, Hilal-i-Imtiaz recipient, and council member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), last held office in 2013 and previously served as spokesperson to then-President Asif Ali Zardari.

Analysts suggest the case could set a significant precedent on how state agencies interact with political dissidents and human rights defenders. Civil society groups have condemned the inquiry as an attempt to intimidate voices critical of the establishment.
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