In a major anti-corruption move, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, along with PARC’s Director of Establishment, Ikhlaq Malik. The arrests took place in Islamabad and come amid serious allegations of illegal recruitment and abuse of authority within the organization.
FIA Investigation Reveals Widespread Irregularities
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Wing, the investigation uncovered that 332 individuals were unlawfully hired against only 164 sanctioned posts. This large-scale breach points to systemic irregularities in the council’s hiring process and raises serious questions about internal accountability and oversight.
FIA officials stated that the recruitment process under scrutiny violated both established procedures and government regulations. The case has been registered on behalf of the state, highlighting its significance and the commitment to curb corruption in public institutions.
Ongoing Raids to Apprehend Additional Suspects
Beyond the high-profile arrests of Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali and Ikhlaq Malik, the FIA has identified 17 other officers and staff members allegedly involved in the illegal appointments. Raids are currently underway to locate and arrest these individuals, as the investigation continues to widen.
FIA sources confirmed that both the PARC chairman and director will be presented before the relevant court today. Authorities will seek their physical remand to facilitate further questioning and deepen the investigation into how such extensive unlawful hiring could have taken place within a prominent national research body.
Implications for Accountability in Public Sector
This case underscores the FIA’s increasing efforts to address corruption in public institutions, sending a strong message about accountability and governance. Observers note that restoring merit-based recruitment in key national organizations like PARC is essential not only for institutional integrity but also for regaining public trust.
The arrests come as part of a broader crackdown on illegal hiring practices and misuse of authority within Pakistan’s federal institutions, highlighting the urgent need for stronger oversight mechanisms and transparent hiring processes.
