Islamabad, 14 June 2025: Farhatullah Babar has received interim protection from judicial authorities after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) intervened to prevent what has been described as undue pressure by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The court issued this directive following concerns raised over the agency’s inquiry process targeting the veteran politician.
On Thursday, Justice Inam Amin Minhas formally served notices to the Ministry of Interior, the FIA, and other related departments, asking them to present their written replies by the end of June.
The development came after Farhatullah Babar, through his legal team comprising Iman Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha, petitioned the court under Article 199 of the Constitution, challenging the legitimacy of the investigation.
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The inquiry in question, initiated on March 25, reportedly stems from allegations of potential corruption, tax evasion, and ownership of unaccounted-for properties.
The accusations were based on a complaint lodged by a private citizen someone Farhatullah Babar claims he has never interacted with. His legal counsel argued that the FIA’s actions were arbitrary and amounted to harassment under the guise of accountability.
While the full legal proceedings are still underway, the court’s directive acts as a temporary safeguard against further action by the agency.
The case raises broader concerns about the use of investigative powers and the need for transparency and procedural fairness in high-profile inquiries.
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Farhatullah Babar, a seasoned voice in Pakistan’s political landscape, has long been known for his advocacy for civil liberties and institutional accountability.
The ongoing proceedings will now determine whether the inquiry will proceed or be set aside due to lack of substantiated evidence.
