A major scandal has surfaced in Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the attestation of citizens’ documents.
An internal inquiry report leaked, alleges that Rs12 billion was illegally collected from citizens in one year through unlawful channels for document attestation.
The four-member committee, headed by DG Audit & Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi, identified a “mafia” allegedly involved in collecting money from the public.
A government committee report has raised allegations of an unauthorized network involved in the attestation of official documents. Key findings include:
-
Up to Rs800,000 allegedly charged: Citizens were reportedly asked to pay as much as Rs800,000 to have documents attested through illegal channels.
-
Officials named: The report identifies several officials allegedly linked to the network, including an official in the Foreign Secretary’s Office.
-
Senior officials mentioned: Directors general of various wings, a former additional secretary and former diplomats are also cited.
-
Courier company link alleged: Officials reportedly told the committee that a private courier company had links with a Ministry official.
-
Report not referred for investigation: Submitted to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July, the report was allegedly not forwarded to NAB or another investigative agency, according to sources.
-
Overseas postings: Despite the committee’s recommendations, several officials allegedly linked to the matter were later posted abroad.
The allegations remain subject to further investigation, and the report itself does not establish criminal liability.
