Islamabad 7 August: A massive corruption scandal involving the misappropriation of Rs1.24 billion in funds at the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) has sparked outrage, with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar pledging to personally oversee the investigation.
The commitment came during a heated session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday, where lawmakers demanded answers for the delay in legal action nearly ten months after the scam was uncovered.
The embezzlement, involving provident fund (PF) and employee-related expenses (ERE), was first exposed by APP Managing Director Muhammad Asim Khichi. Responding to a pointed question from Senator Sarmad Ali about why no First Information Report (FIR) had been lodged despite the lapse of time, Tarar assured the committee that he would take charge of ensuring an FIR is registered against those responsible. “This is a serious matter, and I will personally follow up to ensure justice,” Tarar stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accountability.
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According to APP, the scale of the scandal, endorsed in the Commercial Audit Report 2023-24 and 2025-26, has raised alarm about financial mismanagement within Pakistan’s state-run news agency. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate legal proceedings to recover the embezzled funds, adding pressure for swift action. However, the delay in filing an FIR has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, with insiders alleging a powerful network within the FIA, Islamabad Police, and even the Ministry of Information has hindered progress.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, speaking to the media after the meeting, expressed frustration over the inaction, noting that the APP administration had already provided documentary evidence to the FIA. “When evidence sits collecting dust for ten months, it makes ordinary citizens question whether justice is truly blind,” he told reporters, vowing to raise the issue in the Senate. The senator highlighted the human toll of the scandal, as the misappropriated funds represent the lifetime savings of hundreds of APP journalists and staff, many of whom now face uncertain retirements.
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The Senate Standing Committee, chaired by Senator Barrister Ali Zafar, included Senators Irfan Siddiqui, Pervaiz Rashid, Jan Mohammad Belaidi, and Syed Waqar Mehdi, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, including Secretary Ambreen Jan and Additional Secretary Ashfaq Khalil. The committee also discussed broader issues, such as media reforms and journalist rights, but the APP scandal dominated the session due to its severity.
The Rs1.24 billion scam has reignited debates about systemic corruption in Pakistan’s public sector. Governance expert Dr. Hina Shahid, commenting on the case, argued that it underscores the need for stronger whistleblower protections and independent audits. “When corruption infiltrates an institution meant to inform the public, it erodes trust in governance itself,” she said. The case also raises questions about accountability, as reports suggest that APP’s Managing Director Khichi faced life threats from those implicated in the scandal, with limited police action to address the threats.
As the FIA begins its investigation, all eyes are on whether Tarar’s intervention will lead to high-profile arrests and the recovery of the embezzled funds. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for Pakistan’s broader anti-corruption efforts, with implications for public confidence in state institutions. For now, APP employees and the public await justice, hoping the government’s promises translate into action.
