Islamabad High Court has issued notices to Establishment Division and Ministry of Interior in response to a petition filed by former National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Director General Waqaruddin Syed, who has challenged the departmental inquiry initiated against him over allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of authority. The matter came before a division bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfaraz Dogar, which sought replies from the relevant authorities and adjourned further proceedings. The case has drawn attention due to the senior position previously held by the petitioner and the nature of the allegations linked to his tenure at NCCIA, an agency responsible for investigating cybercrime related offenses in Pakistan.
Waqaruddin Syed, a senior police officer, was removed from the position of NCCIA Director General in October 2025 and subsequently designated as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). He approached Islamabad High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings being conducted against him violate established principles of natural justice as well as his constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 10A. According to the petition, the former NCCIA chief has raised objections regarding the manner in which the inquiry process is being conducted. He specifically challenged notices issued to him and other witnesses on June 16, 2026, contending that these notices were issued using NCCIA letterhead rather than being independently issued by the designated inquiry officer. The petition maintains that this procedural issue constitutes a legal defect and raises concerns regarding the independence and fairness of the inquiry process. Syed has further argued that conducting inquiry proceedings within NCCIA premises creates an environment that may exert institutional influence and pressure on participants involved in the proceedings.
The disciplinary inquiry was initiated following the issuance of a detailed charge sheet by Establishment Division. The proceedings stem from allegations relating to corruption, misconduct, and misuse of authority during Waqaruddin Syed’s tenure as head of NCCIA. The matter gained additional significance after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed departmental action following reports concerning alleged misconduct involving NCCIA officials. As part of the inquiry process, Grade 21 officer Salman Chaudhry was appointed as the inquiry officer responsible for examining the allegations and reviewing relevant evidence. The case represents a notable development involving one of Pakistan’s key cybercrime enforcement institutions and highlights the mechanisms through which allegations against senior public officials are examined within the administrative framework.
According to the statement of allegations referenced in the proceedings, Waqaruddin Syed has been accused of encouraging and supporting the alleged extortion of money through subordinate officers and NCCIA circle offices. These accusations form the basis of the departmental action initiated by authorities and are expected to be examined during the inquiry process. At this stage, Islamabad High Court has not issued findings on the merits of the allegations and has instead sought responses from the concerned government departments regarding the claims raised in the petition. The court’s decision to seek comments from Establishment Division and Ministry of Interior indicates that the matter will continue through the legal process as judges evaluate procedural concerns raised by the petitioner alongside the government’s position on the disciplinary proceedings. The outcome of the case may have implications for how administrative inquiries involving senior officials are conducted, particularly in matters concerning procedural fairness, institutional independence, and adherence to constitutional safeguards.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
