A Foreign Ministry investigation has allegedly uncovered the illegal collection of around Rs. 12 billion from citizens seeking document verification over a one-year period.

According to the investigative report, citizens were allegedly charged as much as Rs. 800,000 to have their documents verified through unauthorized channels.

The probe was carried out by a four-member committee headed by Director General Audit and Inspection Dr. Ahmed Ali Sarohi. It examined allegations of illegal payments being collected from the public during the verification process.

The report named several officials allegedly linked to the network, including an official from the Foreign Secretary’s Office, directors general of different Foreign Ministry departments, a former additional secretary and former diplomats.

It also alleged that a private courier company had connections with a Foreign Ministry official involved in the process.

The committee recorded the names and statements of officials allegedly connected to the matter and submitted its report to the Foreign Secretary’s Office in July.

However, sources said the report was not sent to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or another investigative agency despite the committee’s recommendations.

Some officials allegedly linked to the case were also posted abroad afterward.

The Foreign Ministry was contacted for its comments on the allegations, but no response had been received at the time of reporting.