Faisal Vawda alleges ‘Rs100 billion scandal’ in Industries Ministry, demands arrests and secretary’s removal

Senator Faisal Vawda alleges a massive Rs100 billion Industries Ministry scandal, demands arrests, and targets senior officials during a fiery confrontation in the Senate Finance Committee.

MEDIABITES NEWS – IMRAN MALIK – COURTESY: RAUF KLASRA

ISLAMABAD — Senator Faisal Vawda on Sunday unleashed explosive allegations during a heated Senate Finance Committee meeting, accusing senior officials linked to the Ministry of Industries and its subordinate Engineering Development Board (EDB) of facilitating a massive “Rs100 billion scandal” benefiting what he described as a powerful mafia.

In fiery remarks made in the presence of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial and committee members, Vawda claimed that “four powerful individuals” had collectively caused huge revenue losses to the national exchequer while extending unlawful benefits worth billions of rupees.

“I have the case that should lead to handcuffs,” Vawda declared during the session, directly targeting officials connected with the ministry overseen by Haroon Akhtar Khan.

The senator specifically called for the immediate removal of Industries Ministry Secretary Saif Anjum, alleging that the outgoing bureaucrat had become “heavier than the entire government.” In a sarcastic swipe, Vawda remarked that while former President Asif Ali Zardari was once considered politically “heavy,” “now Secretary Saif Anjum alone outweighs the government.”

He further alleged that the secretary, who is reportedly nearing retirement, should face scrutiny over his financial affairs. “Maybe he is building his palace in Geneva,” Vawda said, intensifying the controversy surrounding the accusations.

The dramatic exchange turned even more political when Vawda taunted Finance Minister Aurangzeb during the committee proceedings, saying: “You should get more vlogs made in your favor by YouTubers — we are hearing those too.”

Vawda insisted the alleged scandal was serious enough to warrant arrests and a full-scale investigation, warning that the matter could shake the government if transparent action was not taken.

No immediate response was issued by the Ministry of Industries, Secretary Saif Anjum, or other officials named during the committee proceedings.

The allegations have triggered fresh political debate in Islamabad, with opposition figures and social media users demanding greater transparency over the Engineering Development Board’s financial decisions and regulatory dealings.