Pakistan’s Auditor General Uncovers Over Rs9.5 Billion in Alleged Irregularities in Foreign Ministry

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has exposed massive financial irregularities exceeding Rs9.5 billion in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the audit year 2025-26, according to the latest audit report. The irregularities include fraud, misappropriation, irregular procurements, and financial lapses involving ministry employees.
The report raises serious concerns over the collection of heavy fees for document attestation. Simple verification of documents was reportedly charged between Rs3,000 and Rs12,000, while the fee structure for international attestations was implemented without formal approval.
In a notable case in Havana, Cuba, Pakistani diplomatic staff allegedly committed fraud amounting to $27,390. The audit also found that the rent for the Third Secretary’s residence was fixed at $1,100 per month, but $2,000 was paid monthly, with the excess $900 allegedly pocketed by diplomatic personnel.
Similar discrepancies were observed in Paris, where rents for residential buildings for staff of the same category ranged between 3,700 and 5,300 Euros. Monthly differences of 600 to 1,600 Euros (and in some cases 700 to 1,043 Euros) were noted.
The report further revealed that foreign missions paid over $2.5 million in health insurance premiums without any valid insurance policy in place. Missions in Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago disbursed more than $200,000 in medical charges. Vehicles were hired in Chicago, Belgrade, and Los Angeles at inflated rates without proper approval.
Additionally, Rs1.14 billion in public funds were kept in private bank accounts in violation of rules. Courier companies deposited Rs950 million into private accounts. Lease payments for vehicles amounting to $78,836 and €35,000 were also flagged.
Irregularities were also identified in the use of government funds in Riyadh and Milan. Overseas missions failed to recover utility charges and security deposits from officers. The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad made irregular payments for medical allowances and house rent to its employees.
The audit highlighted weak internal controls, unavailability of records, and poor implementation of directives issued by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.