23 February 2004	Monday	02 Muharram 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: The government is considering a proposal to amend the money laundering law in its attempt to stop officials from abusing power and implicating people in false cases, sources said on Sunday.

The proposed amendment provides that if any authority or officer combs any building or detains any person without recording reasons in writing, he could be tried for misusing his power and be imprisoned for a term which might extend to two years.

However, in case the official has recorded his reasons in writing no court, according to the amending clause, would have the jurisdiction to entertain any suit against any federal government agency for initiating action on the charges of money laundering, if the action is taken in good faith.

The law also provides punishment for providing false information. The sources said that the money laundering act was being amended as there were complaints that the law enforcement agencies were misusing the law and implicating people in false cases.

The federal government, however, wanted to introduce another amendment that no notice, summon, or order initiated under the money laundering act should be declared invalid only for the reason of any mistake.