Court seeks reply on probe against ex-NCCIA officer

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Establishment Division and the Ministry of Interior on a petition filed by former National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) director general Waqaruddin Syed, who has challenged a departmental inquiry launched against him over allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of authority.

A division bench headed by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar took up the matter, sought replies from the relevant authorities and adjourned further proceedings.

Waqaruddin, a senior police officer, was removed from the post of NCCIA director general in October 2025 and made an officer on special duty (OSD). In his petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution, he argued that the disciplinary proceedings were being carried out in breach of the principles of natural justice and his fundamental right to a fair trial under Article 10A of the Constitution.

He also objected to the way notices were issued to him and to witnesses on June 16, 2026. According to the petition, the notices were sent on NCCIA letterhead instead of being issued by the inquiry officer in an independent capacity, which he described as a legal defect. He further contended that holding the inquiry at the NCCIA office created an atmosphere of pressure and institutional influence.

Allegations and inquiry

The disciplinary proceedings began after the Establishment Division served Waqaruddin with a detailed charge sheet following accusations of corruption, misconduct and misuse of authority during his tenure as NCCIA chief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered departmental action against him after alleged misconduct by NCCIA officials came to light. Grade-21 officer Salman Chaudhry was appointed as the inquiry officer in the matter.

According to the statement of allegations cited in the case, Waqaruddin has been accused of encouraging and supporting the alleged extortion of money through subordinate officers and NCCIA circle offices.

The petition now before the IHC challenges both the conduct and setting of the inquiry, with the court having called for the government’s response before taking the matter up further.