ISLAMABAD: A local court in Islamabad on Monday granted the FIA a three-day physical remand of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali and Director Establishment Akhlag Malik in a case related to illegal recruitment and misuse of authority.
Judicial Magistrate Ahmed Shahzad Gondal authorised the remand, transferring both officials into the FIA`s custody.
The two officials were arrested and presented before the court by FIA investigators. The FIA alleges Mr Ali recruited 332 people for only 164 approved positions, a violation of official procedures.
Investigators, who had initially sought a 14-day remand, also claimed the process involved bribery and manipulation.
A total of 19 officials have been nominated in the case.
In court, Mr Ali maintained his innocence, saying that all recruitments were made through a transparent process. He said the vacancies had been duly advertised and that selection committees had been formed to oversee the hiring.
In granting the shorter three-day remand, the judge noted that the investigation was in its early stages.
`An investigation is yet to be conducted and things will come to light,` Magistrate remarked.
Last month, the ministry ordered Ali`s office sealed, though it was later opened on an order from the Islamabad High Court.
Mr Ali was awarded the Tamghai-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan in March for his services in the agricultural sector.
