ISLAMABAD: The federal government has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate alleged misuse and irregularities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ apostille and document verification system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar took notice of media reports concerning the system and ordered an inquiry.
Petroleum Secretary Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh will serve as the committee’s convener. Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar and Special Finance Secretary Qamar Sarwar Abbasi will be its members.
Committee to examine alleged irregularities
The committee will investigate possible misuse and irregularities in the apostille and document attestation process.
It will also examine the role of courier services involved in the process and determine whether any Foreign Ministry officials were involved.
The committee will recommend reforms aimed at improving the system and preventing future irregularities.
According to the notification, the committee must submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
The Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Foreign Ministry has been directed to provide the committee with full assistance.
This includes access to all relevant records and material required for the investigation.
The inquiry follows media reports alleging illegal charges and irregularities in the document verification process. The allegations are now subject to the committee’s investigation.
