Global Police Body Clears PTI Leader of Allegations Cited by Pakistani Authorities
Interpol has formally rejected the Pakistan government’s request to extradite former federal minister and senior PTI leader Moonis Elahi, citing insufficient evidence in the money laundering, murder, and other cases presented against him. Moonis, who has been residing in Spain for nearly three years following the state’s crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), is no longer subject to any Interpol notice or diffusion.
The extradition request was actively pursued by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) supplied what it claimed was relevant evidence over the past two years. However, Interpol dismissed the plea, stating: “The General Secretariat of International Criminal Police Organization – Interpol – hereby certifies that as of today Mr Moonis Elahi is not subject to an Interpol notice or diffusion.”
A senior FIA official confirmed to Dawn that the international body dropped the investigation due to lack of credible evidence. He added that many of the cases appeared politically driven, reducing the likelihood of Interpol acting on Pakistan’s submissions.
Political Motives Questioned as Courts Clear Moonis of Key Charges
Among the allegations included in the government’s plea was a murder case lodged by Gujrat police—one that was later dismissed by a local court after it was deemed baseless. The withdrawal of warrants and proclamations in that case further weakened Pakistan’s position before Interpol, strengthening Moonis Elahi’s argument that he was being targeted for political reasons.
Moonis’s lawyer, Amir Rawn, welcomed Interpol’s decision, describing it as a “clean chit” that exposed the political motivations behind the charges. According to Rawn, allegations ranging from corruption to money laundering were orchestrated by the PML-N government as retaliation for the Elahi family’s continued loyalty to Imran Khan.
He further asserted that Moonis had been consistently vocal against the ruling PML-N leadership—particularly Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz—making him an easy target for politically influenced cases. He described the attempt to involve Interpol as an example of how state institutions can be weaponised against opposition figures.
“Moonis Elahi deserves an apology from Pakistani authorities for the fake cases used to target him,” Rawn said, adding that the Elahi family had been subjected to relentless pressure since the PML-N returned to power.
Despite multiple inquiries, Interior Ministry spokesperson Qadir Yar Tiwana did not respond to questions regarding Interpol’s rejection.
