Citizen seeks removal of FIA Chief, cites alleged embezzlement scam

ISLAMABAD: A citizen has called for the removal of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Dr Usman Anwar pending an inquiry into what she alleges is an embezzlement scam, according to a formal letter dated September 1, 2026 addressed to senior law-enforcement and interior ministry authorities.

The letter, submitted by Ashba Kamran, seeks an independent examination of the allegations and urges the authorities to ensure that the FIA chief does not remain in a position that could, according to the complainant, affect the impartiality of any inquiry.

The allegations remain claims made in the complaint and have not been established as fact. No finding of wrongdoing against Dr Anwar is established by the letter alone.

Demand for Inquiry

In her communication, Kamran has requested the Inspector General of Police, Lahore, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior to take action on the allegations and initiate an inquiry into the matter.

The complainant has specifically demanded that Dr Anwar be removed from the FIA leadership while the investigation is pending, arguing that an independent process is necessary to determine whether any financial irregularities occurred.

The development comes as Dr Anwar continues to head the FIA. He was appointed director general in February 2026 after previously serving as Punjab inspector general of police.

FIA Under Increased Accountability Focus

The complaint arrives at a time when accountability and institutional reforms have remained prominent issues within the FIA. In March, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the agency to strengthen its accountability mechanisms and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption in public institutions.

The FIA has also been pursuing reforms involving technology, organised crime, human trafficking and financial investigations under Dr Anwar’s leadership.

The latest complaint could therefore put additional attention on the agency’s internal oversight mechanisms.

What Happens Next?

The key question now is whether the authorities will order a formal investigation into the allegations and, if so, what evidence emerges during the process.

For now, the complaint represents an allegation rather than a proven finding. Any decision regarding Dr Anwar’s position would ultimately depend on the competent authorities and the outcome of an inquiry.

The letter has nevertheless placed the FIA leadership under fresh scrutiny, with the complainant calling for transparency, accountability and an investigation free from any potential conflict of interest.