FIA lodges FIR against former DRAP CEO in corruption scandal

Islamabad: In a significant development, the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad has registered FIR No.50/2023 against Sh. Akhtar Hussain, the terminated CEO of DRAP, with properties and businesses exceeding Rs100 billion globally. The FIR encompasses a range of allegations, including mega corruption, fake death claims, abuse of official powers, and embezzlement in the official records of DRAP.

Sh. Akhtar Hussain, accused of accumulating wealth exceeding Rs100 billion, faces charges of drawing salaries post-termination, receiving a PhD allowance on a fake degree, and an increase in medicine prices. The FIR also implicates him in promotions without due process and manipulations in the official records of DRAP.

A Joint Enquiry Team, led by Mr. Rana Jabar, Additional Director General North FIA, has conducted investigations into more than 100 applications against officials of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. The team has recommended the FIR against Sh. Akhtar Hussain, with permission granted by Mr. Rana Jabar and Mr. Afzal Niazi, Deputy Director FIA Anti-Corruption Circle, lodging the FIR.

Efforts to apprehend Sh. Akhtar Hussain are underway, with raids conducted on his properties, offices, and other locations. His mobile phone is turned off, and he is currently in hiding. FIA has placed his name on the Stop List, and plans are underway to block his CNIC if he does not surrender to the law.

Former Chairman NAB, Justice (R) Javed Iqbal, has previously mentioned ongoing inquiries against Sh. Akhtar Hussain and his alleged fake death. However, no final conclusions have been reached.

The accused's close ties with former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Saqib Nisar, are highlighted, along with the claim of his appointment as CEO DRAP in a deal between Mr. Saqib Nisar and PM Imran Khan. Sh. Akhtar Hussain's involvement in the controversial Medicine Pricing Policy, resulting in a 400% increase in medicine prices, is also underscored.

The FIR extends beyond Sh. Akhtar Hussain, implicating several other officials of DRAP, including Asim Rauf, Obaidullah, Ajmal Sohail, Fakhruddin Amer, Sayyad Hussain, Aamer Latif, Bilal bin Akbar, and Aslam Afghani, in alleged money laundering and tax evasion amounting to billions.

The Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association applauded the efforts of FIA officials, expressing hope for the eradication of corruption within DRAP and the health sector for the benefit of 250 million Pakistanis.