The Sindh High Court (SHC) Constitutional Bench has expressed resentment over the blocking of bank and mobile accounts of citizens by FIA.
The court directed the FIA DG to hold an inquiry against the officers involved in blocking the bank and mobile accounts of the citizens.
The court further directed that the inquiry be completed within three months, besides assigning no operational responsibilities to these officers. Justice Adnan ul Karim Memon maintained the basic rights of the citizens cannot be curbed merely on the basis of inquiry. If no legal order is there for blocking passport or accounts of the petitioners then the facilities be restored forthwith.
The counsel for the petitioner said that FIA blocked passports national identity cards and mobile accounts of the petitioners without giving any notice. The petitioners have suffered heavily in their business being identity documents and accounts blocked. The court has acquitted the petitioners in the case against them.
The state counsel said the proceedings under anti-money laundering act are of a separate nature from the basic case. The proceedings in such matters don’t end automatically due to acquittal of the accused persons.
The court remarked the investigations can be kept continued under anti-money laundering law. The interference cannot be made in the passport or financial activities of any citizen for indefinite period on the basis of only inquiry.
The court remarked the letters written by the FIA to banks were used by banks for blocking the accounts. Any order from any competent authority or court was there to block accounts. The powers under anti-money laundering act can be used only under legal approval.
The SHC warned if the matter of such nature comes to light in future then contempt of court proceedings will be initiated.
