ISLAMABAD; The Special Judge Central, Humayun Dilawar, approved the bail of Dr. Furqan Rao, former Director of the China Desk at the state-run news agency APP, in a case registered against APP employees.
During the hearing, the judge expressed strong displeasure over the investigation conducted by the FIA. He questioned the investigation officer about the basis for including Dr. Rao in the case.
“On what grounds was the applicant included in the case? Is there any record of monetary transactions?” the judge asked.
The investigation officer admitted that Dr. Rao was implicated solely on the statement of one employee, and confirmed that no money had been transferred to his account. When the judge inquired about any written evidence of cash receipt, the officer replied that no such evidence exists.
The judge expressed surprise, remarking, “It is astonishing that an officer has been implicated merely on the basis of a statement.” He also questioned whether the case against Dr. Rao was filed at the behest of APP, indicating frustration with the agency’s role.
Dr. Rao’s counsel argued that the case is based on personal enmity and mala fide intentions. He added that his client had filed a case in March last year over an assault incident in the office, and that the committee whose inquiry was used to implicate him includes individuals who are themselves accused in the FIR.
The lawyer further stated that Dr. Rao has never served in the Audit and Accounts Section, and apart from his salary, no additional amount was ever transferred to his account.
