Islamabad High Court Directs Responses Over Ex‑NCCIA Chief’s Challenge to Disciplinary Inquiry

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Establishment Division and the Ministry of Interior to respond to a petition filed by former National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Director General Waqaruddin Syed, who is contesting a departmental inquiry alleging corruption, misconduct, and abuse of authority.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar heard the petition, sought replies from the concerned authorities, and adjourned the case for further proceedings.

Waqaruddin Syed, a senior police officer who was removed from the NCCIA Director General post and reassigned as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in October 2025, approached the high court under Article 199 of the Constitution. He contends that the disciplinary proceedings violate principles of natural justice and his fundamental right to a fair trial guaranteed under Article 10A.

He also challenged the manner in which notices were issued to witnesses and himself on 16 June 2026, arguing that the notices bore the NCCIA letterhead rather than being issued independently by the inquiry officer, which he described as a “legal defect.”

Syed further asserted that holding the inquiry at the NCCIA office created an atmosphere of pressure and institutional influence.

The departmental proceedings were initiated after the Establishment Division served a detailed charge sheet against Syed, alleging corruption, misconduct, and misuse of authority during his tenure as NCCIA chief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered departmental action against him following revelations of alleged misconduct by NCCIA officials, appointing Grade‑21 officer Salman Chaudhry as the inquiry officer.

According to the charge, Waqaruddin is accused of encouraging and supporting alleged extortion of money through subordinate officers and NCCIA circle offices.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026

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