MNA Sheikh Salahuddin belonging to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Wednesday expressed serious concern over summoning of 10 MNAs of his party by Counter-Terrorism Wing of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the issue of money laundering. Salahuddin staged a walkout from the National Assembly to protest the letters written by the FIA to the parliamentarians belonging to the MQM-P.
While speaking on the floor of the House before his walkout, Salahuddin said, "We are parliamentarians and come into the Parliament by bagging hundreds of thousands of votes from the people. We belong to middle class. We are being harassed and vilified by letters." He said, "The FIA is giving a performa to fill up. Our privilege has been breached. We submit assets statements every year with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)."
According to a copy of the notice issued to Sheikh Salahuddin by the Counter-Terrorism Wing of FIA, exclusively available with Business Recorder, "This unit is investigating above case and during the course of investigation it transpired that you have acquaintance with the facts of the case and parts of evidence ancillary thereto. Hence, through this notice you are summoned to attend the office of SHO/Inspector Azmat Khan at CTW FIA HQ's Islamabad. Non-compliance of this is punishable under law."
According to a questionnaire available with Business Recorder, the FIA has questioned the members about dual nationality, profession and sources of their income and families, details of acquired property with date of modes of acquisition, income and tax returns, bank accounts, period of affiliation and the role in the MQM, funds collection for MQM/KKF by extortion or with free will, and directions about collecting donations, etc.
The FIA sought replies of questions on separate format attached with documents where necessary. It was also written in the copy that "wrong statement before the FIA can have consequences under relevant laws."
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