The interim federal government has initiated the process of bringing back Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Moonis Elahi from Spain, where he has reportedly been residing since December 2022, claiming political persecution in his home country.
Federal government sources report that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formally requested Interpol to issue a red notice for the arrest of Moonis Elahi in connection with a money laundering case.
In September of the current year, a local court in Lahore issued a bailable arrest warrant for Moonis, a close associate of imprisoned PTI Chairman Imran Khan and the son of party president Parvez Elahi. This warrant was issued by Special Court (Central-I), Lahore judge Justice Abdul Sattar Langah, stating, “In the interest of justice, the instant application moved by the police officer is accepted, and the bailable warrant of arrest of Rs100,000 is issued against the accused Monis Elahi, under Section 90 (a) CrPC for the date fixed i.e. 11/10/2023.” The warrant was issued due to Moonis’ non-compliance with court summons.
Government sources confirm that all relevant details of Moonis’ case have been shared with Interpol, provided by the caretaker federal government based on information obtained from the Punjab government. This information includes the withdrawal of Rs480 million from Moonis’ bank accounts, which was allegedly used for money laundering, leading to the freezing of his properties and bank accounts.
The case against Moonis Elahi dates back to 2020 when an investigation was launched under the Money Laundering Act following a first information report (FIR). The FIR referred to the Sugar Commission report, implicating the PTI leader in money laundering activities.
The FIA’s inquiry into the sugar crisis implicated top PTI members, including Moonis, alleging they had profited from the situation. The agency claimed to have gathered “sufficient evidence” against Moonis, prompting a formal investigation into the allegations.
