The suspended former Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has approached the Islamabad High Court, challenging departmental proceedings against him and alleging bias, procedural irregularities, and denial of constitutional rights during the ongoing inquiry.
The petitioner argues that the investigation process, which was initiated with approval from the Prime Minister, is being conducted in a manner that violates his right to a fair trial and due process as guaranteed under Article 10-A of the Constitution.
Petition Filed in Islamabad High Court
According to court records, the suspended officer Waqar-ud-Din Syed has requested the court to suspend the ongoing inquiry proceedings until an impartial inquiry officer is appointed and complete access to relevant records is provided for defence preparation.
He has also sought a stay on witness statements and the final inquiry report, arguing that the current process is legally flawed and procedurally unfair.
The petition names the federal government, the Establishment Division, and the appointed inquiry officer as respondents in the case.
Allegations of Procedural Irregularities
The petitioner contends that the charge sheet was issued on June 3, 2026, and received on June 5, but claims that he was not given adequate time to submit a formal response.
He further alleges that witness statements were recorded before the completion of the response period, and that notices for evidence collection were issued prematurely.
According to his legal stance, these actions undermine the fairness of the inquiry process and compromise his ability to mount an effective defence.
Inquiry Officer and Legal Framework
The inquiry is being conducted under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.
The appointed inquiry officer, Salman Chaudhry, an Additional Secretary in the National Security Division, was assigned the responsibility by the Prime Minister to investigate allegations related to misconduct and misuse of authority.
The case involves accusations of corruption, bribery, and administrative abuse during his tenure in NCCIA.
Allegations Raised in the Inquiry
The Establishment Division’s statement of allegations includes serious claims against the suspended official.
These include facilitating unlawful financial benefits through subordinate officers, alleged protection of illegal call centres in exchange for “protection money,” and misuse of authority in postings and administrative decisions.
The inquiry record also references statements and confessions from subordinate officials, including Chaudhry Sarfaraz, Zawar Ahmed, and Muhammad Usman, which are being considered as part of the investigation.
Asset Growth Under Scrutiny
The inquiry further examines a reported increase in the officer’s declared assets, which are said to have grown from approximately Rs2.46 million in 2002 to nearly Rs20.99 million by 2018.
Authorities have sought explanations for this increase as part of the broader investigation into financial conduct and compliance with service rules.
Officials allege that the findings may indicate corruption, lack of integrity, and violations of official conduct regulations, and state that disciplinary proceedings will continue under applicable law.
Link to Earlier Investigations
The current case is also connected to earlier probes involving the so-called “Ducky Bhai case,” in which NCCIA officials were previously accused of accepting bribes from individuals linked to investigations.
Those earlier proceedings resulted in the removal of several officers, while Waqar-ud-Din Syed was initially placed on special duty before the initiation of the current inquiry.
Court Proceedings Expected
The Islamabad High Court is expected to hear the petition as part of ongoing judicial review concerning departmental accountability, procedural fairness, and administrative transparency.
The outcome of the case may determine whether the inquiry continues under the current officer or is reassigned under revised procedural conditions.
