APOSTILLE & DOCUMENT VERIFICATION SCAM: DEPUTY PM TAKES STRICT NOTICE; CONSTITUTES 3-MEMBER HIGH-LEVEL INQUIRY COMMITTEE

NEXUS BETWEEN COURIER SERVICES & FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS? INQUIRY COMMITTEE ORDERED TO SUBMIT FINDINGS WITHIN 2 WEEKS

PETROLEUM SECRETARY HAMID YAQOOB SHEIKH APPOINTED CONVENER; ADDITIONAL SECRETARY ADMIN DIRECTED TO PROVIDE ALL RECORDS

ISLAMABAD — Taking strict notice of media reports regarding irregularities in the Apostille and document verification system, the Deputy Prime Minister has established a three-member high-level inquiry committee to investigate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ verification process. An official notification has been issued to this effect.

👥 Inquiry Committee Members

According to the notification, the high-powered committee comprises the following senior officials:

  • Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh (Secretary Petroleum) — Convener
  • Raja Naeem Akbar (Secretary Law) — Member
  • Qamar Sarwar Abbasi (Special Secretary Finance) — Member

📋 Terms of Reference (TORs)

The notification mandates the committee to probe into the following critical issues:

  • Identification of Malpractices: Uncover any form of misuse, manipulation, or irregularities taking place within the Apostille and document verification infrastructure.
  • Role of Courier Services: Conduct a thorough scrutiny of courier services to evaluate their potential role or collusion in the verification process.
  • Involvement of Officials: Determine if any officers or staff members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are directly or indirectly involved in these malpractices.
  • Systemic Reforms: Propose mandatory structural reforms to ensure complete transparency and efficiency in the document verification system moving forward.

⏱️ Deadline & Administrative Support

  • Report Submission: The inquiry committee is bound to present its final recommendations and investigative findings to the Deputy Prime Minister within two weeks.
  • Foreign Office Compliance: The Additional Secretary (Admin) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been strictly instructed to extend full cooperation, including ensuring unhindered access to all relevant records and materials.