Bajwa’s relative appears before FIA

LAHORE: Sabir Hameed alias Mitthu, a close relative of former chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, appeared before the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) here on Thursday.

The appearance was at the FIA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Circle in Lahore, where Hameed requested additional time to submit his response. An FIA spokesperson stated that Hameed would be summoned again once he provides his response within the specified timeframe.

The FIA AML Circle had previously summoned Hameed in connection with the inquiry number 226/2023. He is being questioned over allegations of illegally buying and selling government and private lands. Hameed is a prominent businessman. The FIA AML Wing in Lahore had earlier closed an inquiry against him, but it has been reopened on the charges of money laundering.

A notice earlier sent to him stated: “This is pursuant to an ongoing criminal investigation in this agency reopened on the allegation of money laundering of crime proceeds. During the course of the inquiry, it has come to light that he is involved in the sale/purchase of land to different government departments illegally.

“Subsequently, the proceeds generated through these illegal sales/purchases were laundered and converted into valuable assets.

“In this regard, he had been twice called to appear (in person) before the undersigned at the FIA AML Cell to explain his position. High volume suspicious transactions into his bank accounts are contrary to the declared business profile.”