FIA tells court it can’t return electronic devices to Azam Swati

The Federal Investigation Agency has told a local court that it cannot return electronic devices that it took into its possession during a raid to PTI Senator Azam Swati’s house, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Swati on Tuesday submitted two applications to the District and Sessions Court of Judge Muhammad Bashir seeking to get copies of his arrest and search warrants and return of things taken by the FIA team during its raid. 

The petitioner made FIA and investigation officer respondents in the case. 

The FIA also submitted its reply to the court. 

In its reply, the FIA refused to return electronic devices to Swati saying that the digital devices were sent for forensic analysis and the agency was waiting for the forensic report. 

However, the FIA said that it had attached copies of search and arrest warrants with its reply submitted to the court. 

In his petitions, PTI Senator Swati said that on the night of October 13, the FIA team raided his house and took away things which belonged to his family members, granddaughters and the domestic helpers. 

He said that the FIA officials took 35 items in total which included mobile phone, 2 passports, DVD, CD, USB, and mobile cards. All these things belonged to the family members, he added. 

The FIA team also took five items belonging to the domestic helpers which also included their mobile phones. 

The petitioner requested the court to direct the FIA to return these things and also provide copies of arrest and search warrants. 

Reporter Ehtisham Kiyani