June 22, 2015
It is clarified that some sections of the press and electronic media have wrongly reported that FBR has halted investigation and prosecution into the case of Ms. Ayyan Ali. It is reported that Ms. Ayyan Ali was arrested by Pakistan Customs on March 14, 2015 at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on charges of currency smuggling amounting to US $0.5 million.
Case was registered against her under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969. After completing investigations into the case, Investigation & Prosecution Cell of M.C.C.Islamabad Customs has submitted complete challan within due course of time with the Special Judge Customs, Islamabad. Trial of the case is under way and next hearing has been fixed as June 29, 2015.
The accused Ms Ayyan Ali after dismissal of her bail applications by the Trial Court has filed Bail Application with the honourable High Court, Lahore and hearing fixed on June 26, 2015. All other aspects of the case are being investigated and dealt with relevant provisions of law without any lapse.
It is clarified that FBR has not issued any directions to its any formation or officer to stop investigation or prosecution in this case.
(Shahid Hussain Asad)
Member (Policy-IR) / Official Spokesperson, FBR
