JIT sought to probe methyl bromide import scam

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the government has formally involved the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to initiate criminal and accountability proceedings against individuals involved in the illegal import of Methyl Bromide (MB)—a highly regulated and ozone-depleting substance.

The Department of Plant Protection has also requested the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) under the FIA to identify the officials responsible, investigate internal collusion, and uncover the broader network behind the scandal.

Letters issued by the DPP on August 22 and September 2, 2025, available with The News, indicate that the department has termed the case as one “of the highest priority,” urging both agencies to take immediate and decisive action. The FIA has been specifically asked to form a JIT to probe the illegal imports and trace those responsible, while NAB has been requested to begin accountability proceedings under the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999, attach assets of the accused, and recover proceeds of the crime.

Despite these formal requests and the abundance of documentary evidence showing the use of forged import permissions, false declarations, and imports from banned origins, no meaningful action has been initiated against relevant DPP officials allegedly involved in enabling the unlawful imports. However, it was reported earlier about only one official, who was sacked, and another who was given a show-cause notice by the authorities regarding the matter.

The News sent questions to the secretary of the Ministry of Food and Security pertaining to the involvement of officials involved in illegal import of MB from India. The News also asked him why the government has not taken any action against those officials whose involvement in the illegal import of MB has been proven via probe by the authorities. However, he has not responded despite repeated attempts by this correspondent.

Earlier, The News reported about the unlawful import of Methyl Bromide (MB) — a highly regulated fumigant — from India, in direct violation of Pakistan’s import policy and multiple national security statutes. The situation escalated when four containers of Indian MB valued at $960,000 were found stuck at Karachi Port, highlighting an alarming breach of border controls.

One such MB container arrived just four days before April 2025 military escalation between India and Pakistan, raising concerns of national security implications.

Investigations shared with The News have revealed that illegal Import Permission Certificates (IPCs) were granted to companies enabling the import of MB from India despite a formal trade ban with India since August 5, 2019. Official records from DPP confirm that MB imports under these fraudulent permissions were valued at $13.6 million.