FIA arrests two in Karachi for impersonation case

The FIA has arrested two people, including a woman, in Karachi for allegedly posing as government officials and using fake documents bearing the state emblem. Officials said the suspects could not provide any legal authority for their claims.

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency’s Anti-Corruption Circle in Karachi has arrested two people, including a woman, on allegations of impersonating government officials and unlawfully using state insignia, according to an FIA spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the two suspects were presenting themselves as representatives of the so-called National Peace Force Committee for Interfaith Harmony Pakistan (NPFCIH). They allegedly used WhatsApp messages and visiting cards to portray themselves as government representatives in order to gain access to FIA officers.

During the inquiry, the suspects were unable to provide any legal authorisation or official notification to substantiate their claims, the spokesperson said.

According to the FIA, an examination of the suspects’ mobile phones led to the recovery of fake documents, membership cards and counterfeit notifications carrying the emblem of the government of Pakistan.

Case registered under PPC sections

The agency said a case had been registered against the two suspects under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. These include Section 109, described as Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment; Section 419, Punishment for cheating by personation; Section 420, Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property; Section 468, Forgery for purpose of cheating; and Section 471, Using as genuine a forged document.

It was not clear from the notification when the two suspects were taken into custody.

The FIA said further investigation was under way and added that it would continue taking indiscriminate action against those found misusing the names of government institutions and the national emblem.

Recent FIA action

In April, the agency arrested seven suspects in separate cases involving fake visas, visa fraud and human trafficking in Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Bahawalpur.

The latest arrests come as the FIA continues operations against fraud and forgery cases involving the misuse of official identity and state symbols. The agency’s statement said action would continue against anyone found exploiting the names of public institutions or using the national emblem without lawful authority.

The case is being investigated further by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi.