Foreign Ministry Faces Scrutiny Over Fund Mismanagement and Embezzlement

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to tighten its accounting rules following serious concerns over fund mismanagement and embezzlement within its foreign missions. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) issued the instruction to the ministry’s new secretary, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during a meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for stringent financial oversight.

The PAC’s scrutiny arose from audit objections related to the Ministry’s financial practices for the fiscal year 2024-25. Committee members highlighted alarming instances of staff at foreign missions misappropriating public funds, with one case involving a former accountant at the Pakistan embassy in Vienna, who allegedly siphoned off 442,256 euros and $134,292 over two years. This incident has raised suspicions that other officials may also be implicated in the fraudulent activities.

The implications of these findings are significant, as they not only reflect poorly on the Ministry’s governance but also undermine public trust in the management of taxpayer money. The committee’s call for reform aims to restore accountability and ensure that such financial misconduct does not recur, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Moving forward, the PAC expects the Ministry to present a comprehensive plan for improved accounting procedures and rules. This initiative is anticipated to be discussed in upcoming sessions, as the committee seeks to ensure that all necessary measures are implemented to prevent further financial irregularities.