The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken an unprecedented step to address corruption, abuse of power, and incompetence within its own ranks by establishing the Directorate of Internal Accountability (DIA) at its Islamabad headquarters. Created under Standard Operating Procedure No. 04/2025 and signed by Director General Rifaat Mukhtar Raja, this directorate is tasked exclusively with taking action against FIA officers and staff, regardless of their rank or grade. The DG has authorized its officers to promptly complete inquiries and proceedings into corruption, irregularities, and departmental violations.
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Wing is now divided into two distinct bodies: the Directorate of Anti-Corruption (DAC), which deals with public corruption cases, and the Directorate of Internal Accountability (DIA), which focuses on misconduct within the FIA itself. The DIA will operate through three key wings — the Inspection and Evaluation Branch (IEB) and the Integrated Control, Complaints and Communication Centre (IC4) for handling complaints and monitoring activities. Each wing will be headed by senior officers with strong investigative and legal expertise.
Fact-finding inquiries will be completed within 14 days, with a possible seven-day extension if needed. The resulting reports will determine whether matters proceed as internal disciplinary actions or escalate into criminal investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. While anonymous complaints will not be processed, information from credible sources can be acted upon, and whistleblowers’ identities will be strictly protected.
According to FIA officials, the creation of the DIA reflects the agency’s resolve to clean its own house before addressing external issues. It is hoped that this move will curb internal corruption, enhance accountability, and restore public trust in the institution.
