FIA orders inquiry into Karachi Sarafa Bazaar raid

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency Director General Dr Usman Anwar has ordered an inquiry into an incident that took place during an FIA raid at Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar and sought a detailed report within 48 hours.

According to the FIA, the raid was carried out on May 15, 2026, at a jewellery shop in the market in connection with alleged silver smuggling. The agency had initially stated that official records showed 178 kilogrammes of silver should have been present at the shop, but only 15kg of locally branded silver was recovered there.

The FIA alleged that the remaining 163kg may have been removed during a disturbance at the market involving traders and shopkeepers. It also said some individuals attempted to intensify the situation by gathering crowds and hindering official action, adding that its personnel responded with restraint.

The agency further said it had secured digital material from suspects’ mobile phones that it linked to smuggling networks.

The FIA chief directed the Karachi Zone director to carry out a full inquiry into the episode. The agency said the probe would examine all aspects of the matter, including legal procedures, relevant evidence and material circulating on social media, and that the review would be conducted impartially.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the agency is a professional institution that believes in transparent and impartial action under the law.

Strict action will be taken against elements involved in the incident and any illegal activities in accordance with the law.

the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that investigations had been launched against suspects and facilitators on allegations of smuggling, obstructing government officials and inciting crowds against state action.

The FIA said the operation was aimed at smugglers and economic offenders rather than the broader business community, and maintained that action would continue against those interfering in lawful operations.

Meeting with jewellers’ association

In a related development, the Karachi Zone director met representatives of the All Pakistan Sarafa Jewellers and Gems Association on Saturday to discuss the raid, the FIA spokesperson said. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the incident and related issues.

The Karachi Zone director assured the delegation that a complete, transparent and impartial investigation would be conducted and that every aspect of the case would be reviewed in detail. He also said the rule of law would be upheld and that no one was above the law.

The FIA will prioritise legal requirements and institutional procedures in carrying out its professional responsibilities.

the spokesperson said.

The meeting also covered matters relating to mutual cooperation, confidence-building and the resolution of issues faced by the business community.

Link to broader silver case

The raid is connected to a wider case involving missing silver during transportation after confiscation by Pakistan Customs. It was reported at a Senate committee meeting on Friday that around 698kg of silver had been seized in different cases in Balochistan.

However, during transportation, the consignment was allegedly found to contain only 298kg of silver, while the remaining 400kg consisted of lead. Customs officials told the committee that the matter appeared prima facie to be an insider job and said the FIA had already started an inquiry.

At the meeting, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla directed the Federal Board of Revenue to ensure recovery of the missing silver, identify those responsible and submit a comprehensive report.