FIA Act 1974 — Complete Guide with MCQs for Test Preparation
📚 FIA Test Preparation 2026
FIA Act 1974 — Complete Prep Guide with MCQ Practice
Master the Federal Investigation Agency Act 1974 for your FIA written test. Every section is broken down simply with memory tricks, key facts, and practice MCQs to test your understanding.
What is the FIA Act 1974?
The Federal Investigation Agency Act 1974 is the founding law that created the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Although the Act is named 1974, it was actually passed as Act No. VIII of 1975 and came into force on 13th January 1975. This is a common exam question — do not confuse the name year with the enactment year.
1974
Name of the Act
Short title used in law
VIII/1975
Actual Act Number
Passed as Act No. VIII of 1975
13 Jan
Enactment Date
13th January 1975
10
Total Sections
Including Section 57
36
Schedule Entries
Types of offences FIA investigates
🧠 Memory Trick — Name vs. Enactment Year
The Act is called the FIA Act 1974 — but it was enacted in 1975. Think: “Planned in 1974, passed in 1975.” The law itself says the short title is “Federal Investigation Agency Act, 1974” but the actual legislative number is Act VIII of 1975, dated 13 January 1975.
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Section 1
Short Title, Extent & Commencement
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⚡ Key Facts to Remember
- Full name: Federal Investigation Agency Act, 1974
- Extends to the whole of Pakistan
- Also applies to all citizens of Pakistan and public servants — wherever they may be (inside or outside Pakistan)
- Came into force at once — no deferred commencement
Section 1 establishes three basic facts about the Act: its name, its geographic reach, and when it started operating.
Exam Alert: “Wherever they may be” is critical — FIA’s jurisdiction applies to Pakistani citizens and public servants even if they are abroad. This is often tested in MCQs.
Came Into Force: The phrase “at once” means the Act became operative immediately upon enactment — there was no waiting period or specific date mentioned for commencement.
🧠 Memory Trick — Section 1 in 3 words
NAME — REACH — START. Every Section 1 of any Act covers these three: what it’s called, where it applies, and when it starts. FIA Act: called “FIA Act 1974” → reaches “whole of Pakistan + citizens anywhere” → started “at once.”
Section 1 — Practice MCQs
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Q1The FIA Act 1974 is officially known as Act No. ___ of which year?
✅ Correct: B. Although the Act is named “FIA Act 1974,” it was enacted as Act No. VIII of 1975, dated 13 January 1975. The name and the Act number/year are different — a classic exam trap.
Q2The FIA Act 1974 extends to:
✅ Correct: C. Section 1(2) states it extends to the whole of Pakistan and also applies to all citizens of Pakistan and public servants, wherever they may be — this includes Pakistanis abroad.
Q3When did the FIA Act 1974 come into force?
✅ Correct: C. Section 1(3) explicitly states “It shall come into force at once” — meaning immediately upon enactment, with no waiting period.
Section 2
Definitions — 8 Key Terms
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Section 2 defines the key terms used throughout the Act. Eight terms are defined. Knowing each definition precisely is important for the FIA written test.
🏛️ (a) “Agency”
The Federal Investigation Agency constituted under Section 3 of the Act.
📜 (b) “Code”
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898). This is the CrPC — Pakistan’s main criminal procedure law.
👤 (c) “Director-General”
The Director-General of the Agency — the head of FIA, appointed by the Federal Government.
🚔 (d) “Provincial Police”
Police constituted by a Provincial Government under the Police Act, 1861 (V of 1861).
🧑💼 (e) “Public Servant”
As defined in Section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code — includes employees of any corporation/body set up, controlled, or administered by or under the authority of the Federal Government.
🔵 (f) “Special Police”
The Pakistan Special Police Establishment constituted under the Pakistan Special Police Establishment Ordinance, 1948 (VIII of 1948). This body was replaced by FIA.
👥 (g) “Specified Persons”
Persons appointed to posts in/under a Provincial Police under Article 3 of the Special Police and Provincial Police (Amalgamation) Order, 1962 (P.O. No. I of 1962).
📋 (h) “Rules”
Rules made under this Act — i.e., subordinate legislation created by the Federal Government under Section 9.
Exam Trap — “Public Servant”: The definition of “public servant” in the FIA Act is wider than just government employees. It includes employees of corporations set up or controlled by the Federal Government — meaning even employees of government-owned companies fall under FIA’s jurisdiction.
🧠 Memory Trick — 8 Definitions in 2 Groups
Group 1 — People: Director-General, Public Servant, Specified Persons (3 people-related terms). Group 2 — Organizations/Laws: Agency (Section 3), Code (CrPC 1898), Provincial Police (Police Act 1861), Special Police (Ordinance 1948), Rules (under this Act).
Section 2 — Practice MCQs
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Q4In the FIA Act 1974, the term “Code” refers to:
✅ Correct: B. Section 2(b) defines “Code” as the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) — commonly known as CrPC. Do not confuse with PPC (Pakistan Penal Code).
Q5“Public Servant” in the FIA Act is defined by reference to which section of the Pakistan Penal Code?
✅ Correct: C. Section 2(e) of the FIA Act defines “public servant” as defined in Section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), additionally including employees of Federal Government-controlled corporations.
Q6The “Special Police” referred to in Section 2(f) was constituted under which law?
✅ Correct: A. “Special Police” means the Pakistan Special Police Establishment constituted under the Pakistan Special Police Establishment Ordinance, 1948 (VIII of 1948) — the predecessor body that was replaced by FIA under Section 10.
Q7“Provincial Police” in the FIA Act is defined as police constituted under which law?
✅ Correct: B. Section 2(d) defines “Provincial Police” as the Police constituted by a Provincial Government under the Police Act, 1861 (V of 1861).
Section 3
Constitution of the Agency
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⚡ Key Facts to Remember
- The Federal Government constitutes the FIA — not Parliament directly
- FIA is created to investigate offences specified in the Schedule
- FIA also investigates attempt, conspiracy, and abetment of scheduled offences
- Agency consists of a Director-General (appointed by Federal Government) + other officers
- The number of other officers is decided by the Federal Government “from time to time”
Section 3 is the heart of the Act — it actually creates the FIA. The Federal Government has the power to constitute the agency, and it overrides any contrary provision in any other law (“notwithstanding anything contained in any other law”).
Three Purposes: FIA investigates (1) offences in the Schedule, (2) any attempt to commit those offences, and (3) conspiracy and abetment of those offences. All three categories fall within FIA’s mandate.
Who Appoints the DG? The Director-General is appointed by the Federal Government — not by the Prime Minister directly, not by Parliament. Other officers are also appointed by the Federal Government as needed.
🧠 Memory Trick — Section 3 = CREATE + PURPOSE + STRUCTURE
CREATE: Federal Government creates FIA. PURPOSE: Investigate Schedule offences + attempt + conspiracy + abetment. STRUCTURE: DG (appointed by FG) + other officers (also by FG, as needed).
Section 3 — Practice MCQs
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Q8Under Section 3, who has the power to constitute the Federal Investigation Agency?
✅ Correct: B. Section 3(1) states “the Federal Government may constitute an Agency to be called the Federal Investigation Agency.” The power vests in the Federal Government as a whole, not any single official.
Q9FIA’s mandate under Section 3(1) includes investigation of which of the following?
✅ Correct: C. Section 3(1) covers inquiry/investigation of scheduled offences “including an attempt or conspiracy to commit, and abetment of, any such offence.” All three — attempt, conspiracy, and abetment — are included.
Q10Who appoints the Director-General of FIA?
✅ Correct: B. Section 3(2) states “The Agency shall consist of a Director-General to be appointed by the Federal Government.” The Federal Government (Cabinet) holds the appointment power.
Section 4
Superintendence & Administration of the Agency
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⚡ Key Facts to Remember
- Superintendence of FIA vests in the Federal Government
- Administration of FIA vests in the Director-General
- The DG exercises powers of an Inspector General of Police under the Police Act, 1861
- DG’s IG powers are only those prescribed by rules — not all IG powers automatically
| Aspect | Who Holds It | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendence | Federal Government | Section 4(1) |
| Administration | Director-General | Section 4(2) |
| DG’s Police Powers | Inspector General of Police equivalent | Police Act, 1861 — as prescribed by rules |
Superintendence vs. Administration: “Superintendence” is higher-level oversight — it means the Federal Government has overall control and authority over FIA. “Administration” is day-to-day management — this belongs to the Director-General.
🧠 Memory Trick — S before A
Superintendence → State (Federal Government). Administration → Agency head (Director-General). The bigger entity (Federal Govt) has Superintendence. The operational head (DG) has Administration.
Section 4 — Practice MCQs
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Q11Under Section 4, the superintendence of FIA vests in:
✅ Correct: B. Section 4(1) explicitly states “The superintendence of the Agency shall vest in the Federal Government.” Administration (day-to-day management) is separate and vests in the Director-General under Section 4(2).
Q12The Director-General of FIA exercises powers equivalent to which police officer under the Police Act, 1861?
✅ Correct: C. Section 4(2) states the DG “shall exercise in respect of the Agency such of the powers of an Inspector General of Police under the Police Act, 1861 as may be prescribed by rules.” Note: only those IG powers prescribed by rules — not all IG powers.
Section 5
Powers of the Members of the Agency
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Section 5 is the most detailed and most exam-important section. It defines what FIA officers can actually do. It has 6 sub-sections, each granting or explaining specific powers.
| Sub-Section | What It Covers | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 5(1) | General Powers | FIA members have same powers as Provincial Police — throughout Pakistan — for search, arrest, seizure |
| 5(2) | Police Station Powers | Member of rank Sub-Inspector or above can exercise powers of officer-in-charge of a police station |
| 5(3) | Arrest Without Warrant | Sub-Inspector or above authorized by DG can arrest without warrant for scheduled offences |
| 5(4) | Definition of Police Station | Includes any place declared by Federal Govt to be a police station |
| 5(5) | Property Freeze Order | FIA member can order in writing: stop owner from removing/transferring property under investigation |
| 5(6) | Penalty for Violation | Violating a Section 5(5) order = rigorous imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both |
Arrest Without Warrant: Only a member not below Sub-Inspector rank AND authorized by the Director-General can arrest without warrant. Both conditions must be met — rank alone is not enough.
Penalty Under 5(6): The exact punishment for violating a property freeze order is rigorous imprisonment up to 1 year, OR fine, OR both. “Rigorous” (hard labour) — not simple imprisonment. This specific detail is frequently tested.
5(2) — Deemed Officer-in-Charge: When a Sub-Inspector or above exercises police station powers, they are “deemed to be an officer-in-charge of a police station discharging his functions as such within the limits of his station.” This is a legal fiction created by the Act.
🧠 Memory Trick — Section 5 in 6 Steps
1. General powers (throughout Pakistan) → 2. Police station powers (Sub-Inspector+) → 3. Arrest without warrant (Sub-Inspector + DG authorization) → 4. What counts as a police station → 5. Freeze property order → 6. Penalty for violating freeze (1 year rigorous / fine / both).
Section 5 — Practice MCQs
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Q13Under Section 5(2), which rank of FIA officer can exercise powers of an officer-in-charge of a police station?
✅ Correct: B. Section 5(2) states “a member of the Agency not below the rank of a Sub-Inspector may… exercise any of the powers of an officer in charge of a police-station.” Sub-Inspector is the minimum rank required.
Q14Under Section 5(3), an FIA member can arrest without warrant only if he/she is:
✅ Correct: C. Section 5(3) requires two conditions to be met simultaneously: (1) rank of Sub-Inspector or above, AND (2) authorization by the Director-General. Meeting only one condition is insufficient.
Q15Violating a property freeze order under Section 5(5) is punishable under Section 5(6) with:
✅ Correct: C. Section 5(6) prescribes “rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.” The key words are “rigorous” (not simple), “one year” (not more), and the alternative of fine or both.
Q16FIA officers have their general powers under Section 5(1) throughout:
✅ Correct: C. Section 5(1) states members of the Agency “shall, for the purpose of an inquiry or investigation under this Act, have throughout Pakistan such powers…” — FIA jurisdiction is nationwide, not province-limited.
Section 57
Certain Officers Deemed to be Public Prosecutors
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⚡ Key Facts to Remember
- This section was inserted by amendment — Federal Investigation Agency (Amendment) Ordinance (109 of 2002)
- Two types of FIA officers are deemed Public Prosecutors: Assistant Directors (Legal) and Deputy Directors (Law)
- They can institute and conduct proceedings in cases sent by FIA
- Their jurisdiction: Special Courts constituted under any law AND courts subordinate to the High Court
- This applies notwithstanding anything in any other law — it overrides other statutes
Why Section “57”? The numbering is unusual — this section was added later by amendment and placed between Sections 5 and 6. It is not a renumbering error; it retains the number 57 as it was inserted. Remember: 5 → 57 → 6.
Two Designations Only: Only Assistant Directors (Legal) and Deputy Directors (Law) qualify. Not all FIA officers — only these two specific legal-cadre designations are deemed Public Prosecutors.
🧠 Memory Trick — “AD Legal + DD Law = Public Prosecutor”
Assistant Director (AD) Legal + Deputy Director (DD) Law. Both have “Law/Legal” in their title — because they are the legal officers. They appear in Special Courts + subordinate courts (up to High Court level — not High Court itself).
Section 57 — Practice MCQs
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Q17Which FIA officers are deemed to be Public Prosecutors under Section 57?
✅ Correct: C. Section 57 specifically names “the Assistant Directors (Legal) and the Deputy Directors (Law) of the Agency” — no other officers are included, regardless of their qualifications or rank.
Q18Section 57 was inserted in the FIA Act by which legislative instrument?
✅ Correct: C. The footnote in the Act clearly states Section 57 was “Ins. by the Federal Investigation Agency (Amdt.) Ord. (109 of 02), s.2.” This was inserted in 2002, long after the original 1975 enactment.
Sections 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10
Powers, Indemnity, Rules & Repeal
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Section 6 — Power to Amend the Schedule
⚡ Key Facts
- The Federal Government can amend the Schedule
- Amendment is done by notification in the official Gazette
- Federal Govt can add, modify, or omit entries in the Schedule
Section 6 — Three Powers: Add an entry, modify an entry, or omit an entry. The power is entirely with the Federal Government and requires only a Gazette notification — no parliamentary approval needed for each amendment.
Section 7 — Delegation of Powers
⚡ Key Facts
- The Director-General may delegate his powers
- Delegation must be by order in writing
- Powers can be delegated to any member of the Agency so specified
- Delegation may be subject to conditions specified in the order
- DG can delegate all or any of his powers
Written Order Required: Delegation without a written order is not valid. The Director-General cannot verbally delegate powers — it must be “by order in writing.” This formality requirement is commonly tested.
Section 8 — Indemnity
⚡ Key Facts
- No suit, prosecution, or legal proceeding can be filed against:
- → The Federal Government
- → Any member of the Agency
- → Any other person acting under the Act
- Protection applies to acts done in good faith under the Act or rules
- Also covers acts intended to be done in good faith
Good Faith is the Key Condition: Indemnity only protects actions done (or intended to be done) “in good faith.” An FIA officer acting maliciously or outside his lawful authority cannot claim indemnity protection under Section 8.
Section 9 — Power to Make Rules
⚡ Key Facts
- The Federal Government may make rules by Gazette notification
- Rules cover 5 specified areas (a) to (e):
- (a) Terms and conditions of service of DG and other members + qualifications for recruitment
- (b) Powers and functions of members in inquiries and investigations
- (c) Nature and extent of assistance to Provincial investigating agencies
- (d) Powers of Inspector General of Police exercisable by DG
- (e) Manner of giving rewards to members or public for commendable services
🧠 Memory Trick — Section 9 Rules: T-P-A-I-R
Terms/conditions of service → Powers and functions of members → Assistance to Provincial agencies → Inspector General powers for DG → Rewards for commendable service. Acronym: TPAIR.
Section 10 — Repeal
⚡ Key Facts — Two Laws Repealed
- Pakistan Special Police Establishment Ordinance, 1948 (VIII of 1948) — repealed
- Special Police and Provincial Police (Amalgamation) Order, 1962 (P.O. No. I of 1962) — repealed
- All members of the Special Police were automatically transferred to FIA on repeal
- Pending inquiries/investigations of Special Police continued under FIA
- Specified persons had 30 days to express willingness to join FIA
30-Day Window: Section 10(4) gives “specified persons” 30 days from the commencement of the Act to express willingness to serve in FIA. After the Director-General’s recommendation and concurrence of the relevant Provincial Government, the Federal Government could direct their transfer.
Sections 6–10 — Practice MCQs
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Q19Under Section 6, who has the power to amend the Schedule of the FIA Act?
✅ Correct: C. Section 6 states “The Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, amend the Schedule so as to add any entry thereto or modify or omit any entry therein.” No parliamentary vote is needed for each amendment.
Q20Under Section 7, the Director-General can delegate his powers by:
✅ Correct: B. Section 7 states the DG “may, by order in writing, direct that all or any of his powers under this Act or the rules shall… be exercisable also by any member of the Agency so specified.” Written form is mandatory.
Q21Section 8 (Indemnity) protects FIA members from legal proceedings for actions done:
✅ Correct: B. Section 8 protects against suits or proceedings for “anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules.” “Good faith” is the essential condition — bad faith actions are not protected.
Q22Which two laws were repealed by Section 10 of the FIA Act 1974?
✅ Correct: C. Section 10(1) specifically repeals (1) the Pakistan Special Police Establishment Ordinance, 1948 and (2) the Special Police and Provincial Police (Amalgamation) Order, 1962 — the two predecessor bodies that FIA replaced.
Q23Under Section 9, which of the following is NOT a matter that rules under the FIA Act may cover?
✅ Correct: C. Section 9(2) lists 5 areas (a–e) for rules — none includes appointment of judges. Rules cover: service terms, powers of members, provincial assistance, DG’s IG powers, and rewards. Judicial appointments are entirely separate.
The Schedule
Offences FIA Can Investigate — All 36 Categories
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The Schedule [See Sections 3(1) and 6] lists all the offences FIA is empowered to investigate. It now contains 36 categories — the original list has been expanded many times through Gazette notifications under Section 6. The most exam-important entries are listed below.
Original + Amended: The Schedule started with fewer entries in 1975. Each subsequent addition was made by Gazette notification under Section 6. Entries 27 onwards were added in 2007 and later — reflecting modern crimes like electronic crime and money laundering.
Entry 1
Offences under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) — including corruption, treason, sedition, murder, forgery, fraud, dacoity, kidnapping, counterfeiting currency
Entry 1-A
Sections 25-D and 29 of the Telegraph Act, 1885 — telecommunications offences
Entry 2
Explosive Substances Act, 1908 — bomb-making and explosives offences
Entry 3
Official Secrets Act, 1923 — espionage and leaking state secrets
Entry 4
Foreigners Act, 1946 — illegal entry, forged documents by foreigners
Entry 5
Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 — bribery and corruption of public servants
Entry 6
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 — illegal currency transactions
Entry 7
Import and Export (Control) Act, 1950 — smuggling and illegal trade
Entry 8
Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 — banking fraud
Entry 9
Pakistan Arms Ordinance, 1965 — illegal weapons possession/trafficking
Entry 10
Section 156 of Customs Act, 1969 — customs fraud and smuggling
Entry 14
High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973 — high treason cases
Entry 17
Passport Act, 1974 — forged/fake passports and passport fraud
Entry 18
Drugs Act, 1976 — drug trafficking offences
Entry 19
Emigration Ordinance, 1979 — illegal emigration and human trafficking
Entry 21
Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 — but only inter-provincial cases OR cases entrusted by Federal Govt
Entry 22
Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002
Entry 23
Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996
Entry 24
NADRA Ordinance, 2002 — CNIC fraud and identity document offences
Entry 26
Copyright Ordinance, 1962 — piracy and copyright violations
Entry 27
Prevention of Electronic Crime Ordinance, 2007 — cybercrime
Entry 28
Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance, 2007 — money laundering
Entry 31
Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 — superseded the 2007 Ordinance
Entry 32
Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016 (PECA) — current cybercrime law
Entry 34
Prevention of Smuggling of Migrant Act, 2018
Entry 35
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018
Entry 36
Public Properties (Removal of Encroachment) Ordinance, 2021 — latest addition
Anti-Terrorism Act Exception (Entry 21): FIA does NOT investigate all terrorism cases. Under Entry 21, FIA only handles Anti-Terrorism Act cases that (1) have inter-provincial scope, or (2) are specifically entrusted to FIA by the Federal Government. Local/provincial terrorism stays with provincial police/CTD.
The Schedule — Practice MCQs
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Q24FIA’s jurisdiction under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (Schedule Entry 21) is limited to cases that:
✅ Correct: C. Schedule Entry 21 restricts FIA’s ATA jurisdiction to two specific scenarios: cases with inter-provincial scope, or cases specifically entrusted to FIA by the Federal Government. FIA does not handle all terrorism cases.
Q25Which of the following offences falls under FIA’s jurisdiction through the Schedule?
✅ Correct: C. Schedule Entry 32 includes “Offences punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, 2016.” This is FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing jurisdiction. Traffic and petty offences are not in the Schedule.
Q26NADRA-related offences (fake CNICs, identity fraud) fall under FIA’s jurisdiction through which Schedule entry?
✅ Correct: C. Schedule Entry 24 covers “Offences punishable under the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance, 2002” — this gives FIA jurisdiction over CNIC fraud, fake identity documents, and NADRA record tampering.
Q27How many total entries does the Schedule of the FIA Act currently contain?
✅ Correct: C. The Schedule as updated to January 2026 contains 36 entries — numbered from Entry 1 (PPC offences) through Entry 36 (Public Properties Removal of Encroachment Ordinance, 2021). The list has grown significantly from the original 1975 version.
Full Practice Test — FIA Act 1974 (All Topics)
These additional MCQs test your complete understanding of the FIA Act 1974 across all sections. Attempt them after reading the sections above.
Complete Test — FIA Act 1974
Score your answers below — aim for 100%
Q28The FIA was created to replace which predecessor agency?
✅ Correct: B. Section 10 repeals the Pakistan Special Police Establishment Ordinance, 1948 and the Amalgamation Order, 1962 — the two laws that governed the predecessor Special Police. FIA absorbed all its members and pending cases.
Q29Which section of the FIA Act says “no suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Federal Government or any member of the Agency” for good-faith actions?
✅ Correct: C. Section 8 is titled “Indemnity” and provides protection from legal proceedings for actions done in good faith under the Act or rules — covering the Federal Government, agency members, and any other person acting under the Act.
Q30Under Section 5(5), a written freeze order on property can be issued by:
✅ Correct: B. Section 5(5) states “such member” — referring to the member of the Agency conducting the investigation — may issue the freeze order. It does not require a specific rank or DG authorization for this power. However, the order is subject to any court order.
Q31When a Sub-Inspector of FIA exercises powers of a police station in-charge, he is legally treated as:
✅ Correct: B. Section 5(2) creates a legal fiction: a Sub-Inspector (or above) exercising police station powers “shall be deemed to be an officer-in-charge of a police-station discharging his functions as such within the limits of his station.”
Q32Section 9 rules may cover which of the following five areas?
✅ Correct: B. Section 9(2)(a)-(e) covers five specific areas: (a) service terms and recruitment qualifications, (b) powers/functions of members, (c) assistance to provincial agencies, (d) IG powers exercisable by DG, and (e) manner of giving rewards.
Q33FIA members have powers including search, arrest, and seizure that are equivalent to:
✅ Correct: B. Section 5(1) grants FIA members “such powers… as the officers of a Provincial Police have in relation to the investigation of offences under the Code or any other law for the time being in force.” Their powers mirror those of provincial police investigators.
Q34Under Section 10, after the repeal of the 1948 Ordinance, what happened to pending inquiries with the Special Police?
✅ Correct: C. Section 10(2)(b) states “any inquiry or investigation pending with the Special Police immediately before such repeal shall continue to be conducted by the Agency.” There was no disruption — FIA seamlessly took over all pending matters.
Q35The preamble of the FIA Act states it was enacted to provide for the constitution of FIA for investigation of offences “committed in connection with matters concerning the:”
✅ Correct: B. The preamble states FIA is for “the investigation of certain offences committed in connection with matters concerning the Federal Government.” FIA’s mandate is specifically federal matters — not provincial police work.
Q36Section 57 allows Assistant Directors (Legal) to conduct proceedings in cases sent up for trial in which courts?
✅ Correct: C. Section 57 authorizes proceedings “in the Special Courts constituted under any law and the courts subordinate to the High Court.” Note: this does not include High Courts or the Supreme Court — those require separate authorization.
Q37The definition of “public servant” in the FIA Act extends beyond standard government employees to include:
✅ Correct: B. Section 2(e) defines public servant (per PPC Section 21) and extends it to include employees of “any corporation or other body or organization set up, controlled or administered by, or under the authority of, the Federal Government” — covering state-owned enterprises.
Q38Which Schedule entry covers money laundering offences under the most recent applicable law?
✅ Correct: B. While Entry 28 covers the 2007 Ordinance, Entry 31 covers the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 — the comprehensive, permanent law that replaced the earlier ordinance. Both entries exist in the Schedule; Entry 31 is the current applicable law.
Q39A “specified person” under Section 2(g) refers to someone appointed under:
✅ Correct: C. Section 2(g) defines “specified persons” as those “who were appointed to posts in or under a Provincial Police in pursuance of Article 3 of the Special Police and Provincial Police (Amalgamation) Order, 1962 (P. O. No. I of 1962).”
Q40Which section gives the Director-General the power to delegate his powers to subordinate FIA officers?
✅ Correct: D. Section 7 — titled “Delegation of Powers” — grants the Director-General the power to direct by written order that all or any of his powers shall be exercisable by any specified member of the Agency, subject to stated conditions.
Quick Revision — All Sections at a Glance
| Section | Title | Key Point to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Short Title, Extent & Commencement | Named 1974, passed as Act VIII/1975 on 13 Jan 1975. Extends to whole of Pakistan + citizens/public servants anywhere. Came into force “at once.” |
| Section 2 | Definitions | 8 definitions: Agency (Sec 3), Code (CrPC 1898), DG, Provincial Police (Police Act 1861), Public Servant (PPC Sec 21), Special Police (1948 Ord), Specified Persons (1962 Order), Rules. |
| Section 3 | Constitution of the Agency | Federal Government creates FIA. Investigates Schedule offences + attempt + conspiracy + abetment. DG appointed by Federal Government. |
| Section 4 | Superintendence & Administration | Superintendence = Federal Government. Administration = Director-General. DG exercises IG of Police powers (only as prescribed by rules). |
| Section 5 | Powers of Members | 6 sub-sections. Sub-Inspector+ = police station powers. Arrest without warrant = Sub-Inspector + DG authorization. Freeze order violation = 1 year rigorous / fine / both. |
| Section 57 | Public Prosecutors | AD (Legal) + DD (Law) deemed Public Prosecutors. Can prosecute in Special Courts + courts subordinate to High Court. Added by 2002 Amendment. |
| Section 6 | Power to Amend Schedule | Federal Government via Gazette notification can add, modify, or omit Schedule entries. |
| Section 7 | Delegation of Powers | DG can delegate all or any powers by written order to any specified FIA member. |
| Section 8 | Indemnity | No legal proceedings against Federal Govt, FIA members, or others for good-faith actions under the Act. |
| Section 9 | Power to Make Rules | Federal Government via Gazette. 5 areas: service terms, powers/functions, provincial assistance, DG IG powers, rewards. (TPAIR) |
| Section 10 | Repeal | Repeals: 1948 Ordinance + 1962 Order. All Special Police transferred to FIA. Pending cases continue. Specified persons had 30 days to opt for FIA. |
| Schedule | 36 Scheduled Offences | PPC offences, corruption, terrorism (inter-provincial only), cybercrime (PECA 2016), money laundering, human trafficking, NADRA fraud, passport fraud, drugs, arms. Last entry added 2021. |
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