ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency has issued a new, comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at making the country’s anti-money laundering system more effective and better coordinated.
According to an official statement, the SOP has been formulated under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 to align the agency’s role as an investigative and prosecutorial body with modern requirements. It is expected to significantly improve transparency, speed and efficiency in the use of financial intelligence.
Under the new framework, a central Financial Intelligence Unit has been established under the AML Directorate at FIA headquarters in Islamabad. The unit will systematically process financial intelligence reports and strategic analytical reports received from the Financial Monitoring Unit.
The unit will be authorised to assign cases, continuously monitor progress, and issue timely directions for inquiries and investigations. In addition, Financial Intelligence Desks will be set up across all FIA zones nationwide, headed by officers of assistant director rank, to ensure effective coordination between the centre and field formations and prompt action.
