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Waqar Zaka’s non-bailable arrest warrant issued in cryptocurrency scam

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  • FIA booked Zaka for allegedly maintaining two accounts for cryptocurrency trading. 
  • FIA prosecutor directed to submit report regarding execution of warrant.
  • Court adjourns hearing till January 5, 2022. 

A local court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Waqar Zaka — who is a television host and social media activist — in a case pertaining to suspicious Rs173 million cryptocurrency-related transactions, The News reported Friday. 

Earlier this year in January, the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime circle had booked Zaka for allegedly maintaining two accounts for the trading of cryptocurrencies/virtual assets.

The case was taken up by Judicial Magistrate (East) Mukesh Kumar on Thursday against Zaka, who is spearheading a campaign for virtual currencies to be declared legal tender in Pakistan.  

The magistrate directed the FIA prosecutor to submit a report regarding the execution of the warrant on the next date and adjourned the hearing until January 5, 2023. 

The case

The case was lodged on the complaint of the state through Shehryar Ahmed Khan, assistant director of the FIA cybercrime circle, who stated that an inquiry was launched against Zaka upon receipt of a source report from the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) in August 2020.

He said the record collected by the FIA from the relevant banks revealed that during the last three years, transactions of over Rs173 million were observed in his bank accounts, including an aggregate credit of Rs86.1 million and debt of Rs87.1 million.

The statement of the accounts revealed that funds were being credited into these accounts through foreign remittances (interbank fund transfer) and clearing of cheques, which were subsequently debited through internal transfer to accounts of his family members, he added.

The FIA stated that Zaka used social media for charity purposes and international funding, receiving Rs6.8 million, which was withdrawn through the pay order and interbank fund transfer.

“The multiple news, blogs and videos were found on a public database which transpires involvement of accused Waqar Zaka into cryptocurrency/virtual assets,” it claimed. “During the enquiry, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency-related posts were found on his Twitter account, the accused also promotes cryptocurrency like Bitcoin through YouTube channels.”

The agency said the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) did not recognise virtual assets as a legal tender to store and transfer value, adding that the central bank had also issued a caution regarding the risk of trade in cryptocurrencies and prohibited the public from trading in any such currencies.

It said that after examining the report, secured documents like copies of the bank records and institutions and oral evidence, it had been substantiated that the accused, in violation of banking rules and regulations and prescribed law of the country, fraudulently and dishonestly committed the offence of virtual assets trading and facilitated the use of virtual assets for transferring funds and generating funds.

The FIA maintained that after the inquiry was initiated and the accused was summoned, he launched false propaganda against the institutions of the state and was found involved in illegal activities through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter by putting up objectionable material against the institutions, threats to government officials and provoking the public against the state.

Zaka was allegedly found guilty of committing the offences punishable under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, Pakistan Penal Code, Anti-Money Laundering Act 2020 and Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947.

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May 9 tragedy: Anchors reflect on loss and condemn memorial desecration.

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As the nation commemorates the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of May 9, anchors from various media platforms shared their moving views on the significance of the day and the martyrs’ enduring impact.

“The martyrs of any nation are the crown of that nation,” stated one anchor, evoking the great reverence and respect showered upon those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Another person confirmed their sentiment, stating that nations’ development and progress are inextricably linked to the blood poured by their martyrs.

Anchors paid respect to the fallen heroes’ heroism, emphasising the deep sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to the nation. “Martyrs have sacrificed everything for the sake of the country,” stated one anchor, their comments echoing the gratitude felt by millions across the nation.

Nonetheless, amid the mournful memory, anchors expressed outrage about the vandalism of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9. “On May 9, some miscreants burned the memorials of their martyrs to fulfil the nefarious purposes of unknown people,” shouted one anchor, criticising the brazen act of disrespect.

As anchors reflected on the nefarious goal behind the attack on the country’s installations, the question of motive loomed big. “Who did we please by attacking the country’s installations, and what kind of protest was it?” asked one anchor, emphasising the importance of accountability and justice.

Anchors emphasised the importance of quick and decisive action, calling for all those engaged in the desecration to face justice. “All those involved in such mischief must be brought into the Kfir role,” said an anchor, unwavering in the face of such heinous deeds.

Amid the condemnation, anchors underlined the great debt owed to the martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan. “Martyrs have sacrificed their lives for this land of Pakistan, which is their favour to us,” acknowledged one anchor, their comments a sad reminder of the debt owed to those who have given everything for their country.

As the country reflects on the events of May 9, anchors emphasise the necessity of remembering and commemorating the martyrs’ sacrifices. “Nations that forget their benefactors are obliterated by the attributes of history,” warned one anchor, emphasising the timeless need to preserve the memory and legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Anchors were together in condemning anyone who would strive to undermine the nation’s unity and strength, taking a firm position against any danger to national integrity.

“Anyone who would assault our national integrity under the pretence of protest is in no way forgivable,” said one anchor, their comments a clear call to unity and vigilance in the face of adversity.”

Finally, as the nation honours and pays tribute to the May 9 martyrs, anchors emphasise their unshakeable commitment to honouring their memory and upholding the principles for which they fought so heroically. “To the extent that army men sacrifice for us, they have no personal gain,” declared one anchor, capturing the attitude of selflessness and sacrifice that marks Pakistan’s martyrs’ legacy.

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Families of army martyrs want justice for the May 9 mayhem.

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As the nation commemorates the sombre anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, the families of the dead martyrs continue to deal with tremendous loss and a sense of injustice.

One year after the heartbreaking events, their anguish is apparent, and their tears attest to the lasting pain of loss.

The relatives of the martyrs expressed their feelings in emotional professions of love and remembrance, their voices filled with emotion. “I am proud that Allah chose my son for martyrdom,” remarked the mother of Captain Taha Hashmi Shaheed, echoing her son’s steadfast dedication and sacrifice.

However, despite their pride, worries about the legacy of those who gave their life for their country persist. “Did the sacrifices of these martyrs go in vain?” said another weeping mother, her pain echoing that of countless others who have lost loved ones.

For the families, the destruction of the memorials created in memory of the dead soldiers on May 9 was an inexcusable act of contempt. “The desecration of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9 was intolerable,” lamented Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister, her grief obvious in her words.

Calling for justice, the families encouraged the government to take immediate and decisive action against those guilty for the tragic events of May 9. “I appeal to the government to take strict action against those responsible for May 9,” Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister pleaded, echoing many others’ feelings.

The families felt great betrayal, and their faith was challenged by the conduct of individuals who desecrated the memory of their slain heroes. “The tragedy that happened on May 9 is highly condemnable,” said Naik Islam Kashif Zuberi Shaheed’s sister, her words tinged with disbelief and outrage.

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Another IHC court orders contempt action against nasty campaign.

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Another letter has emerged from the Islamabad High Court, highlighting a rising trend of aggressive campaigns against the court.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has also written to the IHC chief justice, requesting him to file contempt of court proceedings against individuals involved in the alleged smear campaign.

This event follows a similar letter delivered yesterday by Justice Babar Sattar to the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, suggesting a concerted effort among judges to address what they see as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity and authority.

According to officials in the judiciary, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised the importance of taking action against anyone guilty for spreading misinformation or engaging in activities that are considered contemptuous of the court.

In response to Justice Sattar’s letter, the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on Monday regarding the judge’s social media campaign. The court has announced that contempt proceedings will be initiated in response to the alleged hostile campaign against Justice Sattar.

According to reports, Justice Babar Sattar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq about a social media campaign against him. The court then decided to treat the letter as a contempt of court action.

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