Islamabad/Karachi: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an inquiry into a controversial raid conducted at a jewellery shop in Karachi’s Sarafa Bazaar after videos of the operation sparked outrage among traders and on social media.
According to officials, FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar took notice of the incident and directed the FIA Karachi Zone to submit a detailed report within 48 hours.
The raid was carried out on May 15 in Sarafa Bazaar, located in Karachi’s Saddar area, as part of an investigation into alleged silver smuggling activities.
According to the FIA’s initial statement, official records showed that approximately 178 kilogrammes of silver were supposed to be present at the targeted shop, but investigators recovered only 15kg of locally branded silver during the operation.
The agency alleged that the remaining 163kg of silver may have been removed during a disturbance created by traders and shopkeepers gathered at the market during the raid.
The operation triggered tension in the busy commercial area after videos circulated online allegedly showing FIA officials assaulting traders and shopkeepers during the raid.
CCTV footage and clips shared widely on social media led to criticism of the agency, with trader organisations accusing FIA personnel of using excessive force and carrying out the operation without proper legal authorisation.
Some reports claimed FIA officials, including personnel in plain clothes, entered the premises without presenting warrants or official documents, allegations that further intensified protests among local traders.
The FIA, however, maintained that the raid was conducted legally on the basis of verified intelligence regarding suspected smuggling networks operating within the jewellery market.
The agency also claimed that certain individuals attempted to obstruct officials by gathering crowds and worsening the situation during the operation.
According to the FIA spokesperson, investigators recovered digital evidence from suspects’ mobile phones allegedly linked to smuggling activities and financial networks.
Following the backlash, FIA chief Dr Usman Anwar ordered a comprehensive inquiry covering all aspects of the incident, including operational procedures, legal compliance, evidence handling, and material circulating on social media.
Officials said the inquiry would determine whether FIA personnel violated operational protocols or used unlawful force during the raid.
The FIA stated that it remained committed to conducting transparent and impartial investigations in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, protests by traders continued in parts of Karachi’s jewellery market, with business representatives demanding accountability against officials allegedly involved in misconduct during the operation.