ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Monday gave the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) a week’s time to submit a report outlining measures taken to curb grey communication networks in the country.
FIA Director General Bashir Memon along Director General Intelligence Bureau (IB) Dr Suleman Khan were present for the hearing. “Are you aware of the seriousness of the issues,” asked the chief justice.
A report was also submitted by DG FIA regarding action taken against grey traffic networks.
Justice Nisar had taken notice of the issue on Sunday and notices were issued to the attorney general of Pakistan, chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), secretary interior, DG FIA and DG IB.
“291 illegal gateway exchanges have been caught, and 390 people have been arrested so far,” DG FIA said and added that around Rs3 billion have been recovered in the process.
“This is amount is nothing, more amount is being transferred outside the country through grey communication traffic networks, ” said Justice Nisar and added that his amount can be saved and donated to dam fund.
Memon defended the efforts undertaken by the FIA, and said, “We are doing a public service,” adding that, cases of kidnapping for ransom are abetted by illegal grey networks.
“We have cracked quite a few cases, however, we need the Pakistan PTA’s help as well,” DG FIA said during the proceedings.
The article on which notice was taken was published in 2013, Justice Ijazul hasan remarked during the proceedings. Hearing of the case was adjourned for 10 days.
