KARACHI: In a significant development, nearly half a dozen officials of the erstwhile Department of Plant Protection (DPP), now the National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority (NA&FSA), have either been suspended, removed, or are facing suspension over charges of criminal misconduct, offences against modesty and reputation, incitement to violence or hate, and violations of government service rules and procedures. The action was taken on Saturday through multiple official notifications, reflecting growing scrutiny of the department amid mounting allegations of mismanagement and irregularities.
According to official documents, Mushtaq Ahmed, Yaqoob Khan, and Nouman Jaffer (Assistant Entomologists, BS-16) were suspended for 120 days after a video surfaced showing them chanting derogatory slogans against former Director Technical, Mr. Shahzad, and raising slogans in favor of Director Admin Qasim Khan Kakar. Kakar, currently posted as Deputy Secretary (Plan) at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) on deputation from the Agriculture Research Institute, Balochistan Agriculture Department, Quetta, is believed to be their supporter and patron within both the ministry and the DPP.
The suspended officials were also found distributing sweets and gifts (Rs. 15000 to 25000) among the employees in office in the name of celebration on reported forced, victimized, targeted and maneuvered dismissal of former Director Technical on political grounds.
According to insiders, taking notice of the footage, Mr. Tahir Abbas, Director General of NA&FSA-DPP, suspended the officials visible in the video and further recommended the suspension of their ringleader, Nasir Ahmed Virk (Entomologist), as well as the termination of contract of Mr. Muhammad Hanif (Entomologist) to the Secretary MNFSR, who is the competent authority.
As per details, of particular note is Nasir Ahmed Virk, who was made in charge of current mango export operations at DPP by removing senior officer Dr. Muhammad Ishfaque (Director Technical Quarantine) and transferring him to Lahore. This was reportedly part of a deal benefiting Karachi-based mango hot water treatment plants owned by two women entrepreneurs, facilitated by Dr. Syed Bilal Haider, Joint Secretary (Admn), a close associate of Virk. Although ill-gotten revenue collection for DPP and MNFSR reportedly increased, mango exports to Iran declined to unprecedented levels. Despite clear abuse of authority for personal gain, no earlier action was taken against Virk due to his backing from Syed Bilal Haider, Qasim Khan Kakar, and officials in the minister’s office.
Insiders further adds that Nasir Ahmed, reportedly claimed that his uncle in the UK is a personal friend of the minister and regularly hosts him during his visits to Britain.
Nasir Ahmed has also faced serious allegations during earlier postings. Reports accuse him of involvement in the illegal release of banned commodities including Indian cotton, tomatoes, bananas, and Kenyan cut flowers while he was in charge at Wagha Land Terminal and Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. He was also accused of auditing rice, sesame, and chili units “against protocol” in exchange for bribes of Rs.100,000 per unit, which industry insiders allege contributed to the introduction and spread of several foreign pests in Pakistan.
In a separate case, the DG DPP suspended Imran Butt (Driver) after a video went viral showing him using an official vehicle to drain rainwater near the DPP Karachi office. However, no action was taken against Qasim Kakar, who reportedly used a DPP vehicle for personal purposes in Islamabad despite not being entitled to it.
Meanwhile, insiders claim that Kakar, who is allegedly backing several of the suspended officials, has assured them of protection as long as he retains his position and high-level support within the ministry. Kakar, originally from the Balochistan Agriculture Department, previously served in DPP on deputation. He was once arrested by the FIA in case no. 40/2024 and repatriated to his provincial department on corruption charges but later managed to secure a posting in MNFSR as Deputy Secretary (Plan) through the support of former Secretary MNFSR, Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry.
According to insiders, Kakar recently told the suspended officials that their suspension orders would be withdrawn within two days, claiming he is set to assume charge as Joint Secretary in the ministry following the transfer of Mr. Khizer Saleem (JS MNFSR) on August 25, 2025.
These suspensions come at a time when the DPP is facing mounting criticism over its handling of phytosanitary certifications, export quality controls, and pesticide import management. Exporters have repeatedly alleged that corruption, weak oversight, and irregularities within the department have badly damaged Pakistan’s agricultural exports particularly rice, mangoes, and other horticultural products, which continue to face rejections in key international markets.
Officials familiar with the matter said the disciplinary actions were triggered by violations of service rules, misuse of authority, and failure to follow procedures. While detailed charges have not yet been made public, further inquiries are expected to determine the extent of responsibility.
This wave of suspensions is being viewed as part of the federal government’s broader efforts to restructure Pakistan’s agricultural trade regulatory system in line with international standards. The newly created NA&FSA merging the DPP and the Animal Quarantine Department (AQD) is expected to eventually assume these regulatory responsibilities. However, critics warn that without addressing entrenched corruption and mismanagement, such structural changes may prove ineffective.
It may also be noted that Rashid Siraj, allegedly notorious for extorting monthly payments from fumigators and clearing agents (sometimes even into his wife’s bank account, through his own cell number via EasyPaisa, or directly in cash), still faces multiple pending complaints with FIA Karachi, DPP, and MNFSR. He was awarded the major penalty of forced retirement in 2024. A Karachi fumigator is also said to have gifted a car to his wife, Ms. Anila Rashid, which she damaged in an accident.
Likewise, Allah Yar alias Yaroo Dacait, originally appointed as Laboratory Assistant (BS-4) but later promoted as Assistant Entomologist (BS-16) on the basis of a fake FA certificate from Karachi Intermediate Board, Sindh, with the connivance of Admin officials, is already suspended. He faces allegations of corruption, harassment of female officials in the workplace, and multiple criminal cases registered in Punjab and Karachi including kidnapping, theft, dacoity, and smuggling of contraband. His younger brother, Imran alias ‘Rairah Badmash’, has also been terminated from service as Naib Qasid-cum-Junior Clerk due to securing job as Naib Qasid in the DPP on fake domicile of Malir District Karachi whereas, he has also obtained domicile from district Khanewal.
Sources in DPP allege that both Brother now a days serving as frontman of London based fumigator, clearing agent and smuggler, Israr Khan Kakar and other officials of quarantine and registration sections in the DPP and have been seen entering in their rooms and PA rooms with their files freely for approval and certificates. Both brothers have arranged residence of Dr. Muhammad Basit and Umar Rathor as well as run their kitchen.
