BY: M. Ilyas
ISLAMABAD- In an unprecedented move, the Federal Investigation Agency FIA Balochistan has arrested more than two dozen officers and officials of the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), on charges of corruption and malpractice. This operation, the largest in the history of FIA Balochistan, has sent shockwaves through the top echelons of QESCO. The operation was spearheaded by the renowned and courageous Assistant Director Shahid Ilyas, who, along with his small but determined team of four to five members, conducted a meticulous sting operation. The team successfully apprehended around two dozen officers and officials from QESCO’s Sabi Division and Naseerabad Division, registering cases against them and making on-the-spot arrests. Despite operating under challenging conditions without a formal office building or a proper police station, the FIA Composite Circle Sibi Division executed a full-fledged crackdown on corrupt elements. This operation resulted in significant recoveries, including fines and arrears amounting to crores of rupees. Inspector Zahid Hussain Chandio, Constable Muhammad Raza, Constable Arshad, and Constable Hassan were commended for their excellent performance and dedication. The arrested QESCO officers and officials were transferred to the FIA Zonal Office on Samingali Road, Quetta. They were to be presented before the court of the Special Judge Central Anti-Corruption in Quetta for physical remand. However, despite the successful operation, Director FIA Balochistan Imran Mahmood, who has been transferred due to poor performance but has not yet relinquished his charge, reportedly released all the arrested QESCO officers and officials. Allegations have surfaced that substantial bribes were received from the accused officers and officials to secure their release and to allow them the opportunity to obtain pre-arrest bail illegally. This action has sparked public outrage over what is perceived as a double standard by the FIA. While ordinary citizens caught stealing electricity face immediate FIR registration, arrest, and imprisonment, influential QESCO officers were allegedly released from custody late at night after illegal gratifications were received. The public has demanded accountability and transparency from the FIA in handling such cases. The names of the arrested QESCO officers and officials are as follows:
1. Asif Aziz Magsi (SDO Dera Murad Jamali)
2. Muhammad Bakhsh (Line Superintendent)
3. Ghulam Hussain (Line Superintendent)
4. Saifullah (Line Superintendent)
5. Abdul Karim (Line Superintendent)
6. Rasheed Ahmed (Meter Reader Section Supervisor)
7. Muhammad Ali (Meter Supervisor)
8. Zakaullah (Senior Division Clerk)
9. Tariq Hussain (Line Man)
10. Muhammad Iqbal (Line Man)
11. Muhammad Rafiq (Line Man)
12. Abdul Nabi (Line Man)
13. Iftikhar Rasool (Line Man)
14. Muqeem Khan (Assistant Line Man)
15. Wali Muhammad (Meter Reader)
16. Haji Wali (Line Superintendent)
17. Meeran Khan (Line Superintendent)
18. Zafar Iqbal (Line Man)
19. Shahid Aman (Line Man)
20. Khan Muhammad (Assistant)
21. Mushtaq Ahmed (Line Man)
22. Muhammad Hashim (Assistant Line Man)
23. Sarang (Line Man)
24. Saddiq (Line Man)
This bold and decisive action by the FIA has highlighted the persistent issue of corruption within public service secured and the need for continued vigilance and accountability to uphold the rule of law.The public awaits further developments as the case progresses and calls for justice to be served without prejudice.
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