ISLAMABAD: An internal inquiry at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has alleged that around Rs12 billion was illegally collected from citizens within one year through unauthorised channels used for document attestation, according to a report obtained by Geo News.
A four-member committee headed by Director General Audit and Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi investigated the matter and identified what the report described as a network involved in collecting money from applicants.
According to the inquiry, citizens allegedly paid as much as Rs800,000 to secure document attestations through illegal channels.
Inquiry Report Names Serving and Former Officials
The report reportedly records statements and names officials allegedly connected with the network, including an official working in the Foreign Secretary’s Office.
Moreover, directors general from different wings, a former additional secretary and former diplomats are reportedly mentioned in the inquiry.
Officials also alleged that a private courier company maintained links with a ministry official. However, the allegations have not been established through judicial proceedings.
Report Allegedly Not Forwarded to Investigative Agencies
According to sources cited by Geo News, the committee submitted its report to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July.
However, sources claimed authorities did not subsequently forward the findings to the National Accountability Bureau or another investigative agency.
Furthermore, despite recommendations made by the inquiry committee, several officials allegedly linked to the matter were later posted abroad.
Geo News said it sent questions concerning the findings to the Foreign Office spokesperson but had received no response at the time of reporting.
Consequently, the ministry has yet to publicly address the reported Rs12 billion figure, the allegations against officials or claims surrounding the handling of the inquiry.
🚨 BREAKING
A major scandal has surfaced in Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the attestation of citizens’ documents.
An internal inquiry report obtained by Geo News alleges that Rs12 billion was illegally collected from citizens in one year through unlawful channels… pic.twitter.com/QtLAH88s3I
— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) September 16, 2026
