FIA suspends officers after controversial Sarafa Bazaar raid in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday suspended two officers, transferred senior officials and registered a criminal case against a private individual following a controversial raid on a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar that sparked outrage among traders and citizens.

The action came after FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar took notice of the incident and ordered a detailed inquiry report within 48 hours amid allegations of misconduct during the operation.

According to an FIA spokesperson, Karachi Zone Director Muntazir Mehdi ordered immediate legal and departmental proceedings against officials involved in the raid.

Two FIA officers present during the operation were suspended, while a private individual accused of slapping a citizen during the raid was booked in a criminal case.

In a major administrative reshuffle, Assistant Director Syed Ali Mardan Shah — who headed the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) in Karachi — was removed from his position and attached to FIA headquarters. Assistant Director Rabab Qazi was also transferred from the Anti-Corruption Circle to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling Wing.

The FIA further launched a departmental inquiry against all officers and personnel present at the scene to examine the incident from all angles in what officials described as a “transparent, impartial and comprehensive” investigation.

Karachi Zone Director Mehdi said any misuse of authority, irresponsible conduct or violation of legal procedures would not be tolerated within the agency.

“The FIA firmly believes in transparency, accountability and the rule of law, and action is being ensured at every level without discrimination,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the agency remained committed to maintaining public trust and professional conduct.

The controversy erupted after an FIA team raided a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar on May 15 as part of an operation targeting alleged silver smuggling.

According to the FIA’s initial version, official records indicated that 178 kilogrammes of silver should have been present at the premises, but authorities claimed only 15kg of locally branded silver was recovered during the search.

The agency alleged that the remaining 163kg may have been removed amid chaos created by traders and shopkeepers who gathered at the market during the operation.

FIA officials further claimed that some individuals attempted to obstruct official action by creating crowds and escalating tensions, though personnel exercised restraint throughout the operation.

The agency also stated that digital evidence retrieved from suspects’ mobile phones pointed towards links with organised smuggling networks operating in the city.

The incident triggered criticism from traders and civil society circles, prompting the FIA leadership to intervene and initiate disciplinary measures against officials involved in the operation.