Financial embezzlement, sexual harassment allegations surface against Pakistani diplomatic Missions abroad

Financial embezzlement, sexual harassment allegations surface against Pakistani diplomatic Missions abroad

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Foreign Office has responded over the media reports of embezzlement, harassment in Pakistan Foreign Missions abroad.

Answering questions about financial corruption at various Pakistani diplomatic missions, the spokesman said there was a report of embezzlement in the mission in Bulgaria, and a special fact-finding officer was sent to investigate the issue.

The spokesman said accountant concerned has accepted responsibility for the embezzlement and upon his return to Islamabad, his case has been referred to NAB adding that the Auditor General has just completed the special audit of the Mission.

“Necessary action is being taken based on the observations raised by the Audit”, the spokesman remarked. The spokesman said regarding our High Commissioner in South Africa, the case is subjudice and his travel to Pakistan is in line with relevant rules.

Regarding the query about the case in Portugal, the spokesman said misinformation was circulated about Ambassador Leena Moazzam however an inquiry was undertaken which exonerated her, after which she was sent to Belarus as Ambassador by the previous government.

Regarding the case of alleged harassment against Pakistani Ambassador in Rome, an enquiry has been undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce and MOFA and its report has been shared with the Ombudsperson.

The spokesman said regarding our Deputy Head of Mission in Singapore, he has been recalled and action is being taken in this regard.