Audit Reveals Alleged Embezzlement in Pakistan's Diplomatic Missions

The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, examined audit objections involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2023-24 financial year. Revelations showed alleged multimillion-rupee embezzlement, suspicious bank accounts, and over Rs1 billion in education funds left undistributed to Pakistani students. Specifically, the Federal Investigation Agency is investigating an accountant at the Pakistan’s Embassy in Austria who allegedly diverted Rs165.6 million into private bank accounts. A separate financial scandal involving Rs29 million was also reported at the mission in Bulgaria.

The financial controversies surrounding Pakistan’s foreign missions raise questions about accountability and the protection of public money. The investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency into the alleged diversion of funds affects the operational integrity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The revelations occurred during a review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ financial reports.