An internal inquiry report of Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MOFA) obtained by a private news organisation has revealed that around Rs12 billion was allegedly collected from citizens over one year through illegal channels for document attestation, with some people charged up to Rs800,000 for the service.
A copy of the report details an alleged network involved in collecting money from citizens seeking attestation of their documents. The investigation was conducted by a four-member committee headed by Director General Audit and Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi. It identified a “mafia” allegedly involved in the collection.
According to the report, citizens were allegedly charged up to Rs800,000 to have their documents attested through illegal channels. The committee also recorded the names and statements of officials allegedly linked to the network.
An official working in the Foreign Secretary’s Office was among those named in the report. Directors general of different wings of the Foreign Ministry, a former additional secretary and former diplomats were also mentioned.
The investigation also looked into the role of a private courier company. According to officials cited in the report, the company allegedly had links with a Foreign Ministry official.
Senior journalist Azaz Syed, while reporting on the findings, said that the investigation had also examined the alleged involvement of an agent network. He said that some of the officials named in the report are currently holding senior positions, while some are posted abroad as ambassadors.
Syed also stated some of the officials had served in the office of Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and the office of the foreign minister.
Posting on X, Azaz stated, “The report was sent to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July but, sources said it was not forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or any other investigative agency.”
Despite the committee’s recommendations, some officials allegedly linked to the matter were later posted abroad, according to the report.
