ISLAMABAD, September 18: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday ordered an inquiry into reported irregularities in the apostille and document attestation system at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forming a three-member committee to investigate the verification process.
According to a notification issued by the ministry, Petroleum Secretary Hamid Yaqoub Sheikh will serve as convener of the inquiry committee, while Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar and Special Secretary Finance Qamar Sarwar Abbasi will serve as members.
The committee has been tasked with identifying any misuse or irregularities in the apostille and document attestation system and examining the role of courier services involved in the process.
It will also determine whether any Foreign Ministry officials were involved in the reported irregularities and recommend reforms aimed at improving the system and preventing similar lapses in the future.
The committee has been directed to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Additional Secretary (Admin) has been instructed to extend full cooperation to the inquiry committee and provide access to all records and material relevant to the investigation.
The inquiry follows media reports concerning alleged irregularities in the apostille and document attestation process.
The system is widely used by Pakistani citizens requiring verified documents for educational, legal and immigration purposes both within Pakistan and abroad.