Pakistan continues to grapple with challenges on multiple fronts — from foreign-sponsored terrorism to accountability lapses in its financial institutions. Over the weekend, two major developments dominated national headlines: the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh’s success in dismantling a RAW-backed terror network, and the Auditor General of Pakistan’s (AGP) report exposing serious financial irregularities in the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
? Watch my detailed breakdown of this case on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/L0qg2ERfCts?si=6EnCK4aWNW_1iZJV
CTD Sindh Dismantles RAW-Linked Network
At a press conference in Karachi, Additional IGP CTD Azad Khan, accompanied by DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar and SSP Irfan Ali Bahadur, announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation of Abdul Rehman’s murder. Rehman, a respected welfare worker from Badin, was shot dead near Matli police station — a killing that was later celebrated by Indian media.
The case, due to its sensitive nature, was transferred to CTD Karachi. Investigations revealed that the assassination was orchestrated abroad by RAW handler Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar alias “Fauji”, who recruited operatives in Gulf countries to establish a local terror cell in Pakistan.
This gang — led by Umair Asghar with members Sajjad, Ubaid, Shakeel, Arsalan, and Talha Umair — carried out the hit using weapons and a motorbike later seized by authorities. Financial trails showed RAW channelled funds through banking systems and other means, leading investigators to also register a terror financing case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
In a joint operation with federal agencies, CTD arrested six suspects and recovered multiple weapons and mobile phones. Officials confirmed efforts are ongoing to track remaining operatives and facilitators.
? Watch my detailed video breakdown here: https://youtu.be/L0qg2ERfCts?si=6EnCK4aWNW_1iZJV
SECP Audit Report Exposes Financial Irregularities
In a parallel development, Pakistan’s financial watchdog came under scrutiny as the AGP released an audit report on the SECP. The findings revealed unauthorized salary hikes and failure to deposit billions into the national treasury.
According to the report, the SECP granted backdated salary increases effective July 1, 2023, without approval from the Ministry of Finance — a legal requirement. This move inflated the salary package of SECP Chairman Akif Saeed to Rs41.53 million for FY 2023-24, while each commissioner received Rs35.8 million. Additionally, the SECP distributed Rs110 million in entertainment allowances, raising the total irregular expenditure to Rs377.22 million.
More alarmingly, the SECP failed to deposit Rs14 billion into the Federal Consolidated Fund (FCF), violating the Public Finance Management Act, 2019. These revenues came from licensing fees, insurance, securities markets, and other specialized companies. A surplus balance of Rs6.99 billion was also withheld instead of being remitted to the FCF.
The AGP has urged the Finance Ministry to either approve or reverse the illegal increases and ensure strict compliance with financial regulations.
A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Challenges
The CTD’s successful operation underscores the ongoing threat of foreign-backed terrorism, highlighting the importance of intelligence coordination and vigilance. On the other hand, the SECP audit report raises serious concerns about governance and financial accountability in Pakistan’s key regulatory institutions.
Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of the dual battles Pakistan faces: safeguarding national security while also strengthening institutional transparency.
