Parliamentary Panel Orders FM Dar to Strengthen Fund Management

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance its accounting procedures following serious concerns over mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds.

The directive was issued during a session of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, where members scrutinized audit objections for the fiscal year 2024-25.

The committee’s criticism stemmed from alarming reports indicating that staff members stationed at foreign missions were involved in significant financial misconduct.

A notable case highlighted involved a former accountant at the Pakistani embassy in Vienna, who allegedly siphoned off 442,256 euros and $134,292 over two years, raising suspicions of broader complicity among senior officials.

This situation poses serious implications for public trust and accountability within government institutions, as the PAC emphasized the need for stringent oversight to prevent further financial irregularities.

The committee’s actions reflect a growing concern regarding the management of taxpayer money, particularly in overseas operations.

Moving forward, the newly appointed secretary of the Ministry, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has been tasked with developing and sharing revised accounting rules with the PAC.

This initiative aims to restore confidence in the financial practices of the Ministry and ensure that such breaches of trust do not recur.