The investigation agency says there is no evidence of the renowned singer's involvement in any monetary crime.
LAHORE: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has said that there is no evidence of renowned singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's involvement in money laundering, tax evasion or any other illegal activities.
Pakistan's top investigation agency confirmed on Sunday that it has closed its investigation into a case of alleged money laundering and tax evasion involving the renowned singer, due to a lack of evidence of any wrongdoing.
The FIA Lahore Zone Additional Director confirmed that the competent authority has given permission to close the investigation against Khan and others, in accordance with the recommendations submitted by the field investigation unit.
“No evidence has been found in the available records implicating Khan in illegal currency smuggling activities,” the senior FIA official said.
According to details provided by FIA Lahore, an investigation was launched in January against the singer and 182 other frequent travelers who traveled abroad to work from Lahore International Airport.
The money laundering and tax evasion investigation was based on data on frequent travelers, with a specific focus on identifying anyone involved in currency smuggling or money laundering, according to the report.
“The details of 182 travelers were provided by the Deputy Director of Immigration at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. Consequently, proceedings were initiated to detect any frequent travelers found engaging in currency smuggling or money laundering activities. Khan's name was also included in the list of frequent flyers.
However, according to the available records, nothing incriminating has been found against the singer that would allow us to establish that he is involved in the illegal business of currency smuggling.”
Recently, Khan's former manager Salman Ahmed said that the singer had earned more than Rs 8 billion in more than 12 years from local and international concerts.
Ahmed had asked Pakistani authorities to investigate the matter, but sources within the relevant departments have said Khan paid his taxes on time and remained up to date and compliant with the laws.
Sources in the FIA and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) have said that Khan has paid taxes on all his local and international income.
Therefore, sources said, the FIA decided to issue a clean chit to Khan in consultation with the FBR and after verifying his tax records.
The FBR previously issued several notices to Khan on tax matters, but his accountants cleared all the dues.
