ISLAMABAD: A document attestation process, meant to help Pakistanis authenticate documents for use in the country and abroad, has come under intense scrutiny after an internal inquiry allegedly claimed that Rs12 billion were illegally collected from citizens in one year through unauthorized channels.

A four-member committee headed by Director General Audit and Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi investigated allegations pertaining to illegal payments in the attestation process, according to an inquiry report received by Geo News. Some citizens paid as much as Rs800,000 to get their documents passed through unofficial channels, it was said.

The inquiry reportedly listed names and statements of officials allegedly involved with the network, including an official working in the Foreign Secretary’s Office. Also named were reportedly directors general of various ministry wings, a former additional secretary, and former diplomats. A private courier company was also said to have links to a ministry official.

The way the inquiry has been conducted has been reported and this has added another dimension to the controversy. The committee’s findings were shared with the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July but were reportedly not sent to the National Accountability Bureau or any other investigative agency, sources quoted in reports said. Some officials allegedly linked to the issue were later posted abroad despite the committee’s recommendations.

The charges have not been proven in a court of law. Geo News said it had approached the Foreign Office for comment but had received none by going to the press.

The case now poses a key question: How did a supposed system of unofficial payments operate on this scale and what action will follow from the inquiry?

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)