ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior expressed sharp dismay on Tuesday over the repeated absence of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial from a crucial meeting, demanding his immediate presence at the next session.
The committee had summoned Langrial to provide clarity on the alarming theft of over 2,800 cartons of cigarettes, worth a staggering Rs250 million, from warehouses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earlier this year.
The heist, which first emerged during a 6 November meeting, raised serious concerns over the integrity and accountability within the FBR, particularly as the stolen cigarettes were allegedly pilfered by FBR officers themselves.
Senior FBR official Aqeel Ahmed Siddiqui, sent in place of Langrial, offered an unsatisfactory explanation: the Chairman was away on business in Washington, attending talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Frustrated by the lack of transparency, the committee, chaired by Senator Shahadat Awan, rejected the excuse, asserting that house committees must be treated with respect by officials.
“We will not tolerate this disregard for accountability. The FBR Chairman must attend the next meeting and provide a full update,” said Senator Awan, visibly frustrated.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating IR officers in Mardan and Swabi over their suspected involvement in the theft of cigarettes bearing the Kissan trademark of Paramount Tobacco Company. The contraband was stolen from warehouses in Guldasht (Mardan) and Qasam Pula (Swabi) earlier this year.
An official from the FIA briefed the committee, revealing that an investigation had been launched following a complaint lodged on 18 November.
The case was initially filed at the Yar Hussain police station in Swabi before being transferred to the Regional Police Officer (RPO) in Mardan.
However, the committee was far from satisfied with the progress. Senator Awan called for swift action, insisting the inquiry be concluded swiftly and all relevant officials attend the next session to deliver a comprehensive report.
On the cybercrime front, the committee also received a troubling update from Syed Khurram Ali, Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
According to Ali, the agency received a staggering 161,828 complaints in 2024 alone, with an alarming 17,717 enquiries still pending.
As the digital age continues to pose new threats, Punjab has emerged as the epicentre of cybercrimes, with the highest number of cases, verifications, and pending enquiries.
Despite the rising threat, Senator Palwasha Khan raised concerns about NCCIA officers’ alleged involvement in bribery and corruption.
In a pointed remark, Khan linked the widespread illicit practices to the high-profile case involving the wife of a YouTuber’s brother, revealing how those in power often demand exorbitant sums in return for justice.
The committee briefly considered forming a subcommittee to investigate these allegations, but Awan swiftly blocked the proposal, citing the ongoing investigation into the matter.
In a tragic development unrelated to the cyber investigation, the committee was also briefed on the ongoing probe into the gruesome murder of Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro’s family members.
The Additional IG of Sindh revealed that police teams were actively pursuing the accused, with property seizures, blocked identification cards, and frozen bank accounts underway.
However, the slow progress of the investigation was concerning, prompting Awan to demand a report within the next 20 days, warning that the committee would not tolerate further delays.
The estranged PTI Senator Saifullah Abro, who recently defected over the 27th Amendment vote, blasted the Interior Ministry for failing to protect lawmakers.
Sarcastically likening the inaction to the surrender of Kacha dacoits, he suggested they be deployed for security, prompting the committee chairman to swiftly order enhanced protection for lawmakers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025