A Senate subcommittee has directed the FIA to speed up its investigation into the Senate Employees Housing Society. Lawmakers expressed concern over delays that have left Senate employees waiting for residential plots for more than 20 years.
The committee met on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro. During the meeting, members questioned the FIA about the slow progress of the inquiry. They noted that an investigation had already been ordered three months ago.
Officials from the FIA told the committee that housing societies had been audited under Supreme Court directions. They added that the records of the Senate Employees Housing Society would be provided if the committee requested them.
The agency also informed lawmakers that a criminal case had already been registered against the society’s management. Officials promised to submit a detailed progress report during the next committee meeting.
Senator Saifullah Abro said the housing society was created for Senate employees who had contributed their own money. However, he alleged that a private individual with no official connection to the Senate had taken control of the society’s affairs.
He said the housing society should not be treated as anyone’s personal property. He also highlighted that not a single Senate employee had received a residential plot despite the society being established over two decades ago.
Committee members asked for details about action taken against an individual identified as Sher Ali. They also wanted to know what options remained for employees who were still waiting for plot allotments.
The FIA informed the committee that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered in 2022. The case was filed against the society’s president, general secretary, and six other individuals under Supreme Court orders.
Officials clarified that Sher Ali was not named among the accused in the registered case. They assured lawmakers that the investigation would continue according to legal procedures.
Senator Abro warned that the committee could reconsider its engagement with the FIA if the agency failed to follow its directions. He stressed the need for timely progress in the long-pending investigation.
During the same meeting, the committee also reviewed a report from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Officials said the FBR had issued consumption certificates worth Rs. 372 billion over the past five years.
The FBR informed lawmakers that legal action had been started in 52 cases. However, the companies involved later obtained relief from the Peshawar High Court.
Officials also shared updates about the ghee sector. They said 17 cases involving around Rs. 4 billion had been dismissed. At the same time, the FBR recovered Rs. 674 million from the industry.
Lawmakers also discussed the ongoing investigation into cigarette smuggling. Some senators requested regular progress reports, while others suggested allowing the FIA to complete its work without unnecessary interference.
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The committee concluded that the FIA will continue its investigation into both matters. The agency is expected to present updated findings during a future committee meeting.
