Former NAB Director Arrested After Court Cancels Bail

ISLAMABAD : In a major development, Special Judge Central Anti-Corruption Islamabad Humayun Dilawar has rejected the pre-arrest bail of former Additional Director NAB Zia Ullah Khan Toru, after which he was taken into custody from the courtroom in *FIR No. 50/2026.*

The court cancelled bail in case registered at FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad. Following the order, FIA arrested the accused.

*The Case – According to FIR No. 50/2026:*

The case was registered on *23.09.2026 at FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad (S.No. 0015764)* on complaint of State through DG HRM NAB HQs under Sections 420, 468, 471, 409, 168, 109 PPC read with Section 5(2) 47 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

According to the FIR, consequent upon Enquiry No. RE-133/2025, it transpired that Zia Ullah Khan, being public servant/employee of NAB, allegedly misused his official position, acted fraudulently and remained involved in multiple private business activities for illegal gains.

Sources in FIA said the FIR was registered by Assistant Director FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad Shahid Ilyas, who is the enquiry officer.

*Key Allegations in FIR – As Per Official Record:*

*1. Establishment of Private Mining Companies With Foreign Partners:*
According to FIR, accused unlawfully established Universal Mining (Private) Limited in 2012 with Chinese nationals Fei Zhao, Yinqi Deng & Yong Jian Tang.

In 2015, he established Pakhtunkhwa Mines in name of his wife, Mrs. Uzma Zia, with Chinese national Tang Yong Jian as partner. According to FIA record, two mining leases in North Waziristan were issued in favour of Pakhtunkhwa Mines, in which his wife was a major shareholder.

*2. Concealment of Assets and Business Interests:*
Enquiry revealed accused allegedly concealed his interest in Asmat Marble Factory, Torru Construction Company, Kamal Concrete. According to FIA, the business interests, mining leases and other assets identified were not found to be in consonance with his ostensible means of income.

*3. Fake / Invalid Academic Credentials:*
During verification, it was found accused allegedly submitted two different MBA (Marketing) degrees for induction into government service with same registration number 731-197008:

– MBA (Marketing) purportedly issued by Preston University, USA, dated 31.12.2003
– MBA (Marketing) issued by Preston University, Karachi, dated 15.10.2001

According to FIR, Pro-Chancellor Preston University, Islamabad informed FIA that the degree issued by Preston University, USA was not recognized by HEC, and the Karachi campus degree issued on 15.10.2001 was issued incorrectly, was not based on actual records and was therefore not valid.

*Latest Development – Allegation of Influence on Investigation:*

Sources privy to investigation allege that after registration of case, the investigating officer was removed from investigation, allegedly to stop further collection of evidence regarding assets beyond means.

According to legal circles in Islamabad, the sudden transfer of investigating officer after registration of such a high-profile case has raised questions. Public and legal circles have expressed surprise and demanded transparent investigation.

Sources in FIA confirmed further investigation into assets beyond known sources of income, concealment of assets, business interests and financial transactions is ongoing. Record from NAB HQ, SECP, Mines & Minerals Department KPK and Preston University has been sought.

*Court Proceedings:*

According to court sources, after hearing arguments from both sides, Special Judge Central Humayun Dilawar found no grounds for extending pre-arrest bail concession and rejected the petition, leading to formal arrest. Accused will be produced for physical remand for further investigation.
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*Legal Note:* This report is based on FIR No. 50/2026, court orders dated today, and statements of sources. The allegations mentioned in FIR are accusations which are yet to be proven in a court of law. The accused is entitled to due process, presumption of innocence and all legal rights guaranteed under Constitution. The status of evidence, transfer of investigating officer, and allegations of influence require official verification from FIA and relevant authorities.