Islamabad (HRNW) — Questions have been raised over an alleged Rs12 billion financial irregularity in the process of attesting official documents for the public, reportedly highlighted in an investigative report related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the information provided, the alleged irregularities involved the collection of billions of rupees from citizens for the verification and attestation of official documents. Questions have also been raised over the alleged involvement of senior officials of the Foreign Office, including officials associated with the office of the Foreign Secretary.
The report further claims that Dr. Ahmed Ali Sarohi, Director General Audit and head of the team that prepared the investigation report, was subsequently suspended with retrospective effect.
The development has prompted questions over why the official who allegedly identified the irregularities was himself subjected to suspension.
Questions have also been raised about whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will take notice of the matter and order appropriate action.
However, the silence of the prime minister or deputy prime minister cannot, at this stage, be treated as evidence of consent, approval or patronage. An official response from the government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs is necessary to establish the facts.
Human Angle
Transparency and accountability in public services such as document attestation directly affect citizens’ rights and access to government services. If the allegations of financial irregularities are established, those responsible should face due legal and administrative proceedings. Officials who identify or report alleged wrongdoing should also receive appropriate legal and institutional protection.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on the information and claims provided regarding an alleged investigative report. The alleged Rs12 billion irregularities, the alleged involvement of Foreign Office officials, and the reasons for Dr. Ahmed Ali Sarohi’s suspension have not been independently verified from the information provided. Suggestions that the silence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif or Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar represents consent or patronage are questions or speculation, not established facts. The positions of the relevant authorities are awaited.
