According to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been given permission to arrest former finance minister Shaukat Tarin on charges of sedition. An inquiry has been completed regarding Tarin’s alleged attempts to stall talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to the minister, Imran Khan was trying to create political and economic turmoil in the country since losing power, and misled Tarin into committing the crime.
FIA’s cybercrime division has requested that criminal proceedings be initiated against Tarin, in connection with audio clips where he is alleged to have used hardball tactics that could have jeopardized the important loan program. The FIA has sought permission for a special complaint under section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and section 124-A (sedition) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The audio was shared on social media, according to a letter written by FIA cybercrime assistant director Ayaz Khan to the interior ministry. It was stated in the letter that Tarin was in communication with provincial ministers to ask them not to refund the surplus amount to the federal government while the terms for cooperation with the IMF were being negotiated.
According to Sanaullah, the FIA had been granted permission to arrest the former finance minister in a press conference held on Sunday. As a result of Tarin’s attempt to sabotage the IMF deal, he believes that he should be punished in order to prevent future instances of it.
The announcement by the interior minister that the FIA was authorized to arrest Tarin on charges of sedition is a significant development in the ongoing investigation. Former finance minister accused of hurting the nation’s interests by stalling IMF negotiations, and he is being punished to set a good example for the future.
