ISLAMABAD: After acquiring evidence in connection with the source of funding that has supported the long march and the sit-in in Islamabad, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an official probe against Tahirul Qadri, chief of Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ), The Express Tribune reported on Thursday.

The FIA has obtained proof, including a video, on the funding received by Qadri and his party.

Sources in the know informed the local daily that after receiving ‘top level’ directions, the FIA had begun the probe into the funding sources, including the TMQ’s media campaign, its long march and the subsequent sit-in that has entered its third consecutive day.

The FIA’s additional director-general was reportedly assigned the task and had begun the investigation. The FIA has also sought details from the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue and other agencies over the probe.

The investigation agency has also approached individuals involved in hawala or money laundering for the inquiry. Moreover, sources told the Express Tribune that the FIA had also approached the Financial Management Unit.

This investigation involves the examination of all suspicious transactions, including remittances sent through hawala, as well as legal banking systems.

The inquiry was launched on the basis of complaints and reports over the source of funding that has been sustaining Qadri’s and the TMQ’s recent activities.

A top FIA official who requested anonymity told the Express Tribune that the FIA would also examine its own available records in this regard.

The government has moreover sought assistance from the Canadian government over details of the TMQ.