Citizens were charged Rs800,000 to use illegal channels for document verification, according to an investigative report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, journalist Ayaz Syed reported.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 16th Sep, 2026) An investigation has revealed that Rs12 billion was illegally collected from citizens for document verification, with Rs800,000 reportedly charged to use illegal verification channels.
According to a report shared on X by Geo news senior journalist Ayaz Syed, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs investigative report received by Geo News alleged that Rs12 billion was illegally collected from citizens over one year through illicit channels for document verification.
The report identified the collection of money from the public. Citizens were reportedly charged Rs800,000 to have their documents verified through illegal channels. Overall, Rs12 billion was allegedly collected illegally over the course of one year.
According to the report, a four-member committee formed under the leadership of Director General Audit and Inspection Dr Ahmed Ali Sarohi identified a “mafia” allegedly involved in collecting money from the public.
Details recorded in the investigative report state that citizens were allegedly charged up to Rs800,000 to have their documents verified through illegal channels. The report also recorded the Names and statements of officials allegedly linked to the network.
An official working at the Foreign Secretary’s Office is among those named in the report. The report also mentions directors general of various Ministry of Foreign Affairs departments, a former additional secretary and former diplomats.
According to officials, a private courier company allegedly had links with an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The report was sent to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July; however, sources said it was not forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or any other investigative agency.
Despite the committee’s recommendations, some officers allegedly linked to the matter were later posted abroad. Geo News also sent questions to the Foreign Office spokesperson regarding the matter, but no response has been received so far.
