Federal Investigation Agency officials have come under fire after CCTV footage from a raid at a jewelry shop in Karachi’s Saddar Sarafa Bazaar appeared to show traders being assaulted during the operation.
The video quickly triggered outrage online and led to protests by the trader community, with many accusing FIA personnel of using excessive force during the raid.
According to initial details, the FIA team, which included officials in uniform as well as plain clothes, raided the shop as part of an alleged investigation into silver smuggling. Traders, however, claimed the officials did not present any warrant or formal authorization before entering the premises
The footage circulating on social media intensified criticism of the agency, with the incident widely described as an abuse of power.
Earlier, the FIA had said the CCTV footage being shared online was misleading and manipulated. However, as pressure mounted and protests grew, FIA Director General Dr. Usman Anwar ordered an inquiry into the raid.
The decision to launch an investigation came after strong backlash from traders, who demanded action against the officials involved and questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out.
The inquiry is now expected to determine whether the FIA team violated procedure during the raid and whether force was used unlawfully against shopkeepers.