Rs12 billion allegedly siphoned from citizens through an illegal document attestation network operating inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to an internal inquiry report.
The report, compiled by a four-member committee headed by DG Audit and Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi, has identified a network described as a “mafia” that allegedly extracted the funds from the public over the course of one year.
The findings of the committee state that citizens seeking document attestation through unauthorised channels were charged as much as Rs800,000 per case.
The report names several officials allegedly connected to the network, including an official from the Foreign Secretary Office, Directors General from multiple wings of the ministry, a former Additional Secretary, and former diplomats.
The report further states that a private courier company allegedly maintained links with a ministry official, facilitating the illegal attestation process.
The inquiry report was submitted to the Foreign Secretary Office in July. Sources say it was not forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau or any other investigative agency for further action.
Despite recommendations from the committee for accountability, several officials named in connection with the case were subsequently posted to positions abroad.
