A senator has alleged that billions of rupees are being lost to corruption in the attestation of documents at the Foreign Office. The claim emerged during a Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting. The matter will now be formally raised with the Foreign Office.
Concerns Over Attestation Process
The attestation process includes verification of documents like educational and marriage certificates. These are often required for international recognition. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan expressed concern that overseas Pakistanis face long waits or pay bribes for a single attestation. He said citizens sometimes spend nights on pavements to complete the process.
Calls for Digitization and Reform
Senator Hassan urged that the attestation process should either be digitized or delegated to union councils and deputy commissioners. He emphasized that modernization would reduce corruption and improve efficiency. Similarly, Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar questioned why the process is not digitized and suggested developing an official app for the Foreign Office.
Accountability and Oversight Issues
Senator Kakar also highlighted management issues in the Foreign Office. He stated that senior officials do not want to relinquish control, while subordinates run the process like a business. He questioned the role and responsibility of the ministry in managing the attestation system efficiently.
Security Concerns Raised
During the meeting, PML-N Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani raised concerns that a commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) had traveled on a Pakistani passport for Haj and Umrah. In response, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman questioned who allowed the TTP entry. Senator Kakar acknowledged that permission was granted, adding that passports were also found in possession of TTP leaders, including Mullah Mansour.
Senate Committee Action
The Senate Standing Committee expressed serious reservations over the current attestation system. It decided to formally address the matter with the Foreign Office to ensure accountability and propose reforms. Earlier, Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani was elected chairperson of the committee, following the passing of its former head, Irfan Siddiqui, on November 10.
Conclusion
The allegations highlight a critical need for reform in the Foreign Office document attestation process. Digitization, delegation, and strict oversight are seen as essential steps to curb corruption and streamline services for citizens. The upcoming discussions with the Foreign Office are expected to determine the next steps toward reform.
