The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has suspended two officers and registered a case against a private individual following a controversial raid at Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar that sparked strong backlash from traders and the public.

The action came after FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, which took place during a raid on a jewellery shop in Saddar over allegations of silver smuggling. According to FIA officials, records indicated that 178 kilograms of silver should have been present at the shop, but only 15kg was recovered during the operation.

Following the incident, FIA Karachi Zone Director Syed Muntazir Mehdi suspended two officers who were present at the scene and initiated departmental proceedings against other officials involved. Assistant Director Syed Ali Mardan Shah was removed from his position and attached to headquarters, while Assistant Director Rabab Qazi was transferred to another FIA wing.

A case was also registered against a private individual accused of assaulting a citizen during the disturbance. Viral videos circulating on social media showed heated confrontations between traders and FIA personnel, triggering criticism and demands for accountability.

The FIA stated that the inquiry would be conducted transparently and impartially, stressing that misconduct, abuse of authority, and violations of the law would not be tolerated within the agency.