Pakistan Foreign Ministry officials accused of Rs12 billion attestation scandal

An internal inquiry report from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has uncovered an alleged illegal network that collected approximately Rs12 billion from citizens over a one-year period. The report, compiled by a four-member committee led by Director General Audit and Inspection Dr. Ahmed Ali Sarohi, describes the operation as a “mafia” that charged individuals up to Rs800,000 for document attestation services through unauthorized channels.

The investigation identified several high-ranking officials allegedly linked to the network, including an official from the Foreign Secretary’s Office, directors general from various ministry wings, a former additional secretary, and former diplomats. Additionally, the report suggests a private courier company may have maintained links with a ministry official to facilitate the process.

Although the findings were submitted to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July, sources indicate the report was not forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or other investigative agencies. Despite the committee’s recommendations for accountability, some officials named in the report have reportedly been assigned to diplomatic posts abroad.