The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Chairman Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali on Monday, accusing him of unlawful recruitments and misuse of power.

The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Wing alleges that Dr Ali made 332 illicit appointments against 164 authorized positions. PARC Director Establishment Ikhlaq Malik was also apprehended in the same operation.

The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle has initiated a formal inquiry and launched investigations, with ongoing operations to detain other implicated individuals. The detentions occurred days before Dr. Ali’s anticipated service extension. Sources suggest that senior officials within the Ministry of National Food Security were pushing for Dr. Ali”s dismissal. Claims of personal vendettas and political motivations behind the apprehension have emerged.

Previously, the Islamabad High Court reinstated Dr. Ali after deeming his suspension illegal, despite numerous petitions filed against him. Last month, the Food Security Minister ordered the sealing of Dr. Ali’s office, an action later overturned by the Islamabad High Court.

Dr Ali, a distinguished agricultural expert, has received accolades including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Agriculture and South Korea”s highest presidential honor for his contributions to the agricultural domain. The ongoing investigation reportedly involves 19 senior PARC officials and researchers. Sources also reveal that the Public Accounts Committee referred audit discrepancies concerning Dr. Ali”s recruitment practices to the FIA for prosecution.

FIA officials have confirmed that both Dr. Ali and Malik will soon appear in court for a remand hearing to allow for further examination.