GUJRAT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has initiated an inquiry into Rs4 million cash found at the residence of two daily-wage officials in Gujrat, after the money was reportedly stolen from their rented home.
Officials Amir Shaukat and Irfan Ahmed filed a complaint with Civil Lines Police Station on March 12, stating that unidentified thieves had stolen the cash from their shared residence in Jattuwakal.
According to an MoFA letter, the officials — who earn minimum wages — have been asked to explain the source of the Rs4 million and how they accumulated such a large sum. They have been directed to submit a written response by March 16.
Sources said Amir Shaukat had been assigned the role of assistant protocol official, granting him authority to sign and attest documents for citizens for foreign use, while the deputy chief of protocol in Gujrat attended the office only two days a week. This reportedly allowed Amir to manage most official tasks independently.
Concerns over corrupt practices involving MoFA staff and agents had been raised previously but no action was taken. Authorities noted that Amir claimed the cash was meant for a family wedding, while Irfan said it was intended for his child’s medical treatment.
The inquiry comes amid increased demand for document attestation and apostille services, as Spain announced on April 1 it would open immigration for settling illegal migrants. Sources said citizens were paying heavy bribes — Rs21,000 per apostille and Rs3,000–5,000 per attestation — to agents for faster processing, with 400–500 apostilles being processed daily at the office.
Gujranwala TikToker booked for kidnapping and assault
Separately, Gujranwala police have registered a case against a female TikToker for allegedly kidnapping and sexually abusing a lady constable using a tranquiliser.
The complainant, a police officer from Muhammad Pura, Qila Deedar Singh, reported that the suspect, known as S from Botala Jhanda Singh, had befriended her in 2012 at a computer academy. In 2024, S allegedly invited her to her home in Barkat Pura, served her a drink laced with a tranquiliser, and administered an injection, during which obscene videos were recorded.
The victim claimed the suspect repeatedly blackmailed her with the videos and, on March 13, allegedly kidnapped her at gunpoint, again drugging and recording her. The complainant managed to escape and reached the police station, prompting the registration of the case.