The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been granted permission by the coalition government to arrest former finance minister Shaukat Tarin in connection to the alleged audio leak. The agency has completed its investigation into the matter, which was initiated last year after audio recordings were released that raised questions about Tarin’s role in sabotaging negotiations between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced the decision on Sunday, stating that the FIA had completed its probe into Tarin and the leaked audio conversations involving the former finance ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During a press conference in Karachi, Minister Sanaullah spoke about the government’s efforts to develop the country. He also took aim at some unnamed politicians who, he claimed, were trying to undermine the government’s progress. He referred to the country’s current economic crisis and criticized former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, alleging that Khan signed the IMF agreement and is now working to keep the country unstable.
The interior minister also spoke about the upcoming general elections in the country, stating that the PML-N party is ready for the elections, whether they take place in April or October. He emphasized the importance of political stability for economic stability and criticized the PTI for dissolution of two assemblies “forcibly”.
Minister Sanaullah also made accusations against a close friend of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, alleging that Farhat Shehzadi laundered Rs12 billion abroad. He also repeated allegations against Khan and his wife in relation to gifts from the Toshakhana.
In conclusion, the FIA’s probe into the alleged audio leak involving former finance minister Shaukat Tarin has come to a close, and the government has authorized the agency to take legal action and arrest Tarin in connection to the matter.
