The federal government has demoted former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director and Grade-20 Police Service of Pakistan officer Babar Bakht Qureshi for three years after concluding a departmental inquiry into the alleged misuse of authority in the journalist Mohsin Baig case.
According to an official document obtained by 24NewsHD TV Channel, the Establishment Division has released complete details of the inquiry and disciplinary proceedings.
The documents state that the departmental inquiry against Babar Bakht Qureshi was initiated on June 21, 2023 under the Civil Servants Rules, 2020. Based on the inquiry's findings and recommendations, the Prime Minister approved the penalty of demotion.
The punishment takes immediate effect. Qureshi has been reduced from his Grade-20 rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to the lower Grade-19 rank of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), along with placement on a lower pay scale, for a period of three years.
The official order further states that Qureshi has the legal right to file an appeal against the disciplinary action within 30 days under the Civil Servants Rules, 1977.
According to sources in the Establishment Division, the disciplinary action stems from allegations that Qureshi misused his official authority during the handling of the journalist Mohsin Baig case. The government proceeded with disciplinary action in accordance with the relevant civil service rules.