Islamabad – The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is intensifying its investigation into alleged deep-rooted corruption and malpractice within the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT), focusing on the role of TPL Trakker (Pvt.) Ltd, the company contracted to monitor cargo movement. This inquiry stems from a high-level directive from the Prime Minister’s Office, prompted by a damning report revealing significant irregularities and potential smuggling operations exploiting the ATT.
The FIA’s Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) has officially registered Enquiry No. 12/2024 to delve into the intricacies of this case. A specialized Joint Enquiry Team (JET), comprising senior FIA officers including Deputy Director Amir Nazir, Assistant Directors Mian Sabir Hussain and Raja Wajid Hussain, along with Inspector Faheem Mustafa, has been assembled to conduct a thorough probe.
Scope of the Investigation
The JET’s mandate is comprehensive, encompassing:
* Scrutiny of TPL Trakker: Investigators are meticulously examining the legality of TPL Trakker’s operations, including its licensing, adherence to procedures, and overall performance in tracking ATT cargo.
* Forensic Audit: A crucial aspect of the investigation involves a deep dive into the software and databases employed by TPL Trakker. This forensic audit aims to uncover any manipulation or vulnerabilities that may have facilitated illicit activities.
* Customs Oversight: The FIA is also scrutinizing Pakistan Customs’ role in overseeing the ATT, specifically examining potential lapses in their supervision, inspection mechanisms, and enforcement of regulations.
* Missing Containers: A key concern highlighted in the Prime Minister’s directive is the disappearance of 175 containers. The JET is tasked with tracing these containers and identifying any individuals within Customs or TPL Trakker who may be responsible for their vanishing.
Legal Framework and Resources
The FIA is meticulously reviewing a wide array of legal documents and regulations, including the Tracking and Monitoring of Cargo Rules (2012 and 2023), the Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreements (1965 and 2010), the Customs Act 1969, and the Pakistan Penal Code, among others.
Early Stages of the Investigation
Initial steps taken by the FIA include:
* Obtaining TPL Trakker’s incorporation records from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
* Analyzing these records to identify any potential discrepancies or red flags.
This investigation is expected to have significant implications for the future of the ATT. If evidence of corruption and malpractice is found, it could lead to major reforms in the way the ATT is managed. The FIA’s findings will be closely watched by both the Pakistani public and the international community.
