FIA opens inquiry into alleged irregularities in embassy shuttle service

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has started an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and other complaints linked to the shuttle service used to transport citizens to embassies in the federal capital.

The inquiry follows allegations that passengers are being charged Rs1,500 for a journey of around three kilometres, while complaints have also raised concerns about the role of agents and shuttle staff in sending people to embassies without valid appointments.

According to the details under examination, the FIA has called shuttle service supervisor Ijaz Qureshi and security in-charge Imran Kiyani and sought records from them. The agency has also asked under what authority Rs1,500 is being collected from each passenger.

Officials are examining the financial side of the operation as well. According to the figures cited in the inquiry, between 1,000 and 1,500 passengers use the service every day. This has led to questions over whether the roughly Rs1.5 million to Rs2 million collected daily is being deposited into the government treasury or retained privately.

FIA officials said the allegations are being investigated and cases will be registered if evidence is found.

Questions over fare collection and agent involvement

The complaints being reviewed also allege collusion between shuttle staff and agents. According to the allegations, some individuals without embassy appointments were still sent onward after being charged between Rs25,000 and Rs30,000.

The matter has also raised security concerns. Complaints submitted to the authorities alleged that shuttle employees, working with agents, facilitated the movement of people who did not have embassy appointments. The complaints say this created a serious security risk.

A similar incident was also cited in the complaints. Months ago, more than 100 people without appointments were reportedly sent outside the UAE embassy.

Sources said agents, in coordination with shuttle staff, had been sending unrelated individuals to embassy premises, and reports from various institutions against shuttle service employees already existed.

CDA official confirms FIA summons

Meanwhile, CDA Deputy Director Rizwan Ahmed said some employees had been summoned by the FIA, though he said he was not aware of the specifics of the case.

some employees had been summoned by the FIA, but he was unaware of the specifics

FIA officials said multiple complaints had been received against CDA staff operating the shuttle service, which led to the start of the inquiry. Authorities have also been asked to explain who approved the Rs1,500 fare and identify the accounts into which the collected money is being deposited.

The investigation remains under way as the agency reviews the allegations of overcharging, possible misuse of public funds and the reported facilitation of unauthorised access attempts involving embassy visitors.