FIA arrests two for 'impersonating government officials' in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle of Karachi has arrested two individuals, including a woman, for posing as government officials and illegally using state logos and emblems, it emerged on Sunday.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspects presented themselves as representatives of the s0-called National Peace Force Committee for Interfaith Harmony Pakistan (NPFCIH).

They allegedly used WhatsApp messages and visiting cards to claim they were government representatives to gain access to FIA officers. During the inquiry, the suspects could not produce any legal authority or official notification to support their claims.

An analysis of their mobile phones revealed fake documents, membership cards, and counterfeit notifications bearing the emblem of the government of Pakistan.

A case has been registered against them under Pakistan Penal Code sections:

• 109 - Punishment of abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment
• 419 - Punishment for cheating by personation
• 420 - Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
• 468 - Forgery for purpose of cheating
• 471 - Using as genuine a forged document

It is unclear from the notification when both suspects were arrested. Further investigation is underway. The FIA said it would continue taking indiscriminate action against anyone misusing the names of government institutions and the national emblem.

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