Suspended NCCIA DG challenges inquiry in IHC, alleges bias and denial of fair trial

The suspended former Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Waqar-ud-Din Syed, has challenged departmental proceedings against him in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), alleging bias by the inquiry officer and violation of his constitutional right to a fair trial.

According to court documents, the petition argues that the ongoing inquiry—initiated with the approval of the Prime Minister—is being conducted without providing the accused officer access to essential records, which he claims is necessary for preparing his defence under Article 10-A of the Constitution.

Waqar-ud-Din Syed has requested the court to halt the inquiry proceedings, including witness statements and the final report, until an impartial inquiry officer is appointed and all relevant records are provided. He has also sought the removal of the current inquiry officer and suspension of proceedings conducted on the NCCIA letterhead, which he terms procedurally flawed.

The petition names the federal government, the Establishment Division and the inquiry officer as respondents.

As per the petition, the charge sheet was issued on June 3, 2026, and received on June 5, but the petitioner argues that he was not given the legally required time to submit his reply. He claims that witness statements were recorded prematurely and notices for evidence collection were issued before the expiry of the response period.

The inquiry officer, Salman Chaudhry—an Additional Secretary in the National Security Division—was appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, bribery and misconduct. The inquiry is being conducted under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

The Establishment Division’s statement of allegations includes serious charges against Waqar-ud-Din Syed, including allegations of facilitating illegal financial gains through subordinate officers, protection of illegal call centers in exchange for alleged “protection money,” and misuse of authority in postings and administrative decisions within NCCIA.

The documents cite statements and recorded confessions of subordinate officials, including Chaudhry Sarfaraz, Zawar Ahmed and Muhammad Usman, as part of the evidence base.

The inquiry raises questions over a reported increase in assets from approximately Rs2.46 million in 2002 to nearly Rs20.99 million by 2018, seeking justification for the rise in wealth.

Authorities allege that the misconduct falls under corruption, lack of integrity and violation of service rules, and that disciplinary action will proceed in accordance with the law.

Separately, the case is linked to earlier investigations involving the so-called “Ducky Bhai case,” in which NCCIA officials were accused of taking bribes from individuals associated with the probe. Reports had previously led to the removal of several officers, while Waqar-ud-Din Syed was initially placed as Officer on Special Duty before the current inquiry was initiated.

The court is expected to take up the petition as part of ongoing proceedings related to departmental accountability and procedural fairness.