ISLAMABAD: The Associated Press of Pakistan APP, the federal government’s news agency seems like a heaven for the corrupt elements to loot the public funds and recruit employees illegally increasing the financial burden for a department that is notorious for political interventions and disputes among the staff members.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad on 09 Dec 2024 arrested 5 culprits in connection with a fake recruitment scam at the news agency .
The arrests followed an investigation launched under the supervision of Director Shahzad Bukhari and Deputy Director Muhammad Afzal Khan Niazi. The inquiry began after multiple complaints exposed irregularities in the hiring process. The investigation identified a network of corruption centered on former Manager Accounts Arshad Majeed Ch.
Sub-Inspector Ihtesham Gondal led the operation, apprehending Arshad Majeed Ch and four other suspects — Taimoor Arshad, Fawad Ahmed Khan, Saad Yousaf, and Qaiser Javed. Meanwhile their arrests were made after the Special Judge Central (SJC) Islamabad rejected their pre-arrest bail applications.
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FIA sources reported that the accused manipulated recruitment processes and misappropriated funds, causing financial losses to the APPC and the national treasury. The investigators revealed that appointments were made in violation of rules, with payments issued to individuals hired through fraudulent means.
The agency is now tracing the misused funds and broadening its investigation to identify others involved in the scam. The officials assured that they are pursuing all leads to hold those responsible accountable.
The FIA encouraged citizens to report incidents of corruption, promising thorough investigations and necessary actions.The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency in public institutions.
Here it is pertinent to note that the culprits mentioned above can not do all this without the connivance or direction of some big gun in the news agency or from outside. It is commonly known in the journalists community that the ministers get their favorites appointed in this news agency even if the staff is not required.
As long as , embezzlement in funds and posting orders issuance are concerned , it is not possible without the consent of the then Director General. FIA should investigate on these lines as well. The arrested employees can be just scapegoats.
Pakistan in the World – December 2024
