FIA Director assures KCCI of stronger coordination to protect business community’s interests
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 & Industry (KCCI) to address and resolve issues faced by the business community.
Speaking at a meeting during his visit to KCCI, FIA Director explained that offloading passengers at airports, particularly those suspected of being involved in begging or illegal immigration through the “Dunki” route, is carried out not by choice but as a national obligation to safeguard Pakistan’s image. To counter such practices, the FIA’s Directorate General has established a Risk Analysis Wing that monitors travel patterns and identifies potential offenders. Individuals, airlines, and even specific countries and age groups have been flagged through this intelligence-led process, he added.
The meeting was attended by Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar, President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, former Presidents Junaid Esmail Makda and Muhammad Idrees, Chief of the Chamber’s Police Liaison Committee Hafeez Aziz and others.
FIA Director Noman Siddiqui further pointed out that travel to countries such as Senegal, Tanzania, Libya, and Mozambique by first-time travelers often raises red flags unless they can provide a credible justification. However, he clarified that those with genuine business in these regions, especially members of the Chamber, are not hindered if their documentation is in order.
To streamline facilitation for legitimate business travelers, Siddiqui proposed the formation of a dedicated WhatsApp coordination group between FIA and KCCI. He suggested that the Chamber could refer first-time travelers, including businessmen’s sons and daughters, with a formal endorsement on KCCI letterhead accompanied by the traveler’s profile and ticket. “We are ready to appoint focal persons from both FIA and KCCI to coordinate and verify such cases, ensuring hassle-free travel for legitimate businessmen”, he assured.
Referring to the government’s efforts to curb the growing number of beggars traveling abroad, Director FIA shared that 176 individuals were offloaded in the latter half of 2024, with over 50 offloaded this year alone. While the issue persists, the FIA’s Risk Analysis Wing has significantly reduced its frequency through targeted interventions.
On the issue of call-up notices being issued by FIA offices outside Karachi, Director Siddiqui advised the Chamber to forward such cases directly to him for swift resolution. He also addressed concerns regarding misuse of cheques and emphasized that the FIA carefully evaluates such complaints to prevent any injustice to bona fide businessmen.
“We are strictly dealing with Hawala/Hundi operations. In the past year, several arrests have been made, including those of bank officials, even a Senior Vice President, whose cases have been reported to the State Bank of Pakistan. A focal person from SBP now coordinates with us on these matters”, he added.
Acknowledging that call-up notices may sometimes create panic, Siddiqui agreed that a monitoring mechanism must be put in place. He supported the Chamber’s suggestion to use the proposed WhatsApp group to track such notices and ensure proper verification, eliminating the potential for harassment.
He further disclosed that some dismissed or retired FIA personnel were allegedly involved in exploiting businessmen by misusing the FIA’s name. “Such cases must be brought directly to my attention, and I will ensure strict disciplinary action. We will not allow anyone to malign the FIA’s image”, he stressed.
Regarding the rising instances of hacking and digital bank frauds, Director FIA clarified that these cases now fall under the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and advised KCCI to directly liaise with Director NCCIA Amir Nawaz, who promptly addresses such complaints.
Speaking via Zoom, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala raised concerns about FIA’s high-handedness in financial cases. He emphasized that KCCI evaluates complaints on merit and urged FIA to facilitate suspects by ensuring their access to families and legal counsel. “A coordinated mechanism must exist to trace and assist detained individuals”, he said. Motiwala also called for two-way cooperation, offering KCCI’s support in verifying legitimate businessmen and urging FIA to acknowledge Chamber recommendations.
Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar underscored the need for a strong liaison mechanism between the FIA and business community. He suggested that KCCI’s verification could help distinguish legitimate businessmen from suspicious actors, thus reducing unnecessary harassment and fostering a pro-business environment.
President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, also addressing the meeting via Zoom, appreciated the positive approach of Director Siddiqui and expressed confidence that his leadership would ensure a more business-friendly environment. He advocated for reinstating the dedicated immigration desk for businessmen, which had proven beneficial in the past.
Bilwani further recommended that before issuing any notices to businessmen, FIA should consult KCCI. “A focal person from the Chamber can coordinate such matters to avoid disruption and maintain trust,” he said.
Earlier, Senior Vice President KCCI Zia ul Arfeen welcomed the FIA team and called for an effective system that allows businessmen to respond to FIA notices within Karachi rather than being summoned to cities like Larkana or Sukkur. He also urged stricter action against individuals traveling abroad illegally, stating that their activities damage Pakistan’s global image and lead to tougher immigration scrutiny for genuine businessmen.
