The government has launched an inquiry into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ system for verifying documents for use abroad.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar ordered the investigation after taking notice of a media report about the document verification and apostille system.

A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. Petroleum Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh will head the committee, while Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar and Special Finance Secretary Qamar Sarwar Abbasi will serve as members.

The committee will investigate possible misuse and irregularities in the document verification process. It will also examine the role of courier companies and determine whether any Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials were involved.

The committee has also been tasked with suggesting reforms to improve the system.

It will submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks, according to the notification.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Additional Secretary (Admin) will provide the committee with the required records, documents and other material for the inquiry.