FIA ordered to return seized jewellery to woman

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to return jewellery seized from a woman within one month in a case where the items were alleged to have been misused by an FIA officer.

The order was issued by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir during proceedings on a petition filed by citizen Shehnaz Ashraf.

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner appeared before the court along with FIA officials. The bench sought an update on the matter and asked about the current status of the case.

In response, FIA officials told the court that the inquiry had been completed and that approval from the Director General was still awaited.

Justice Tahir then questioned the basis for continuing to hold the jewellery if the inquiry had already been finalised.

Court seeks return of items after inquiry completion

The case came before the high court after Shehnaz Ashraf moved a petition regarding the jewellery that, had allegedly been misused by an FIA officer.

As the hearing proceeded, the court focused on whether there was any legal or administrative justification for retaining the seized items once the inquiry process had been completed.

FIA officials informed the bench that the investigation stage had concluded, but said the matter was pending approval from the FIA Director General.

After hearing the parties, the court directed that the jewellery be returned to the petitioner within one month.

The proceedings were heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir at the Islamabad High Court, where both the petitioner’s side and FIA representatives were present.

The court’s direction came after the agency confirmed that the inquiry had already been completed, leaving the question of why the jewellery was still being held.

The matter relates specifically to a petition filed by Shehnaz Ashraf, and the court’s order requires the return of the jewellery within the time set by the bench.