PAC Exposes Financial Irregularities at Pakistan Embassies in Austria and Bulgaria

Pakistan's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has unearthed significant financial irregularities at the country's embassies in Austria and Bulgaria, with millions of rupees allegedly embezzled by embassy staff. The committee, chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, reviewed audit objections related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the financial year 2023-24 during a meeting at Parliament House on Wednesday.

According to audit officials, an accountant at Pakistan's Embassy in Austria is accused of embezzling Rs. 165.6 million by transferring the funds into personal bank accounts belonging to himself and his wife. The case was referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and two First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered. However, PAC Chairman Naveed Qamar expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that six years have passed since the case first emerged. He questioned the FIA's performance, stating that the investigation appeared to have advanced little beyond registering the cases.

FIA officials informed the committee that the accused had been arrested but was later released on bail. The committee has summoned the FIA Director General to its next meeting to provide a detailed explanation of the investigation's status. Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary stated that the employee had been dismissed and that the Foreign Office had initiated legal proceedings even before the audit authorities identified the irregularities. She estimated the amount involved at approximately 170,000 euros. The PAC has directed the Foreign Secretary to conduct a fresh investigation and submit a report within one month.

The committee was also briefed on the alleged embezzlement of Rs. 29 million at Pakistan's Embassy in Bulgaria. An inquiry committee was formed on September 10, 2026, but had not traveled to Bulgaria due to government restrictions on foreign travel under austerity measures. PAC expressed concern over the delay and recommended that officials be allowed to travel abroad when necessary to investigate financial irregularities.

The Foreign Secretary revealed that the employee involved in the Bulgaria case had initially admitted to the allegations but later challenged his dismissal in court. He was reinstated following a court order. The PAC's findings raise serious questions about financial oversight and accountability within Pakistan's diplomatic missions, highlighting the need for stronger internal controls and timely investigations to safeguard public funds.