Karachi: Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Sindh, Muhammad Noman Siddiqui, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to address and resolve issues faced by the business community. FIA Director assures KCCI of stronger coordination to protect business community’s interests.
According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a meeting at the KCCI, FIA Director Siddiqui explained that offloading passengers at airports, especially those suspected of involvement in begging or illegal immigration through the “Dunki” route, is conducted as a national duty to safeguard Pakistan’s image. The FIA’s Directorate General has established a Risk Analysis Wing to monitor travel patterns and identify potential offenders, flagging individuals, airlines, and specific countries and age groups through this intelligence-led process.
The meeting saw the attendance of various key figures including Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, among others. Director Siddiqui further noted that travel to countries like Senegal, Tanzania, Libya, and Mozambique by first-time travelers raises concerns unless justified, although genuine business travelers, particularly KCCI members, face no hindrance if documentation is proper.
To streamline facilitation for legitimate business travelers, Siddiqui proposed forming a dedicated WhatsApp group between FIA and KCCI for coordination. He suggested Chamber referrals for first-time travelers with a formal endorsement on KCCI letterhead, ensuring hassle-free travel for legitimate businessmen through appointed focal persons from FIA and KCCI.
Referring to government efforts to curb beggars traveling abroad, Director FIA shared that 176 individuals were offloaded in the latter half of 2024, with over 50 offloaded this year. While the issue persists, the FIA’s Risk Analysis Wing has significantly reduced its frequency through targeted interventions.
Addressing call-up notices issued by FIA offices outside Karachi, Director Siddiqui advised the Chamber to forward such cases directly to him. He also addressed concerns about cheque misuse, emphasizing careful evaluation to prevent injustice to bona fide businessmen. The FIA is also handling Hawala/Hundi operations, with several arrests made, including bank officials, and coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan.
Siddiqui acknowledged that call-up notices might create panic and agreed to implement a monitoring mechanism. He supported the Chamber’s suggestion to use the proposed WhatsApp group to track notices, ensuring proper verification and preventing harassment. Cases involving dismissed or retired FIA personnel misusing the FIA’s name should be reported to him for strict disciplinary action.
On rising hacking and digital bank frauds, Director FIA clarified that these cases fall under the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and advised KCCI to liaise with Director NCCIA Amir Nawaz for prompt complaint resolution.
Speaking via Zoom, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala raised concerns about FIA’s approach in financial cases, urging facilitation for suspects. He emphasized KCCI’s role in verifying legitimate businessmen and advocated for two-way cooperation with FIA. Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar stressed the need for a strong liaison mechanism to distinguish legitimate businessmen from suspicious actors.
President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani appreciated Director Siddiqui’s positive approach and expressed confidence in a more business-friendly environment under his leadership. He recommended consulting KCCI before issuing notices to businessmen and reinstating a dedicated immigration desk for businessmen.
Senior Vice President KCCI Zia ul Arfeen called for an effective system allowing responses to FIA notices within Karachi and urged stricter action against illegal travelers damaging Pakistan’s global image.