ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Establishment Division and the Ministry of Interior on a petition filed by former director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Waqaruddin Syed, challenging the departmental inquiry initiated against him over allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of authority.

A division bench of the court, headed by Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar, heard the petition and sought a response from the authorities concerned while adjourning further proceedings.

Waqaruddin Syed, a senior police officer who was removed from the post of NCCIA Director General and made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in October 2025, approached the high court under Article 199 of the Constitution, contending that the disciplinary proceedings against him were being conducted in violation of principles of natural justice and his fundamental right to a fair trial guaranteed under Article 10A of the Constitution.

The former NCCIA chief also challenged the manner in which notices were issued to witnesses and himself on June 16, 2026, arguing that the notices were issued on the letterhead of NCCIA rather than by the inquiry officer in his independent capacity, which constituted a “legal defect”.

He argued that holding the inquiry at the NCCIA office created an atmosphere of pressure and institutional influence.

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

PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered departmental action against him after revelations of alleged misconduct by NCCIA officials, with Grade-21 officer Salman Chaudhry appointed as inquiry officer.

According to the statement of allegations, Waqaruddin has been accused of encouraging and supporting alleged extortion of money through subordinate officers and NCCIA circle offices.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2026