A massive corruption scandal has rocked the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), with a whopping Rs 1.24 billion embezzled from the government news agency’s accounts. The misappropriation occurred between 2001 and 2023, with Rs 124 crore transferred from two APP accounts – Employees Related Expanse (ERE) and Provident Fund (PF) – to the personal accounts of some APP employees.
A departmental inquiry, initiated in June 2024, uncovered undeniable evidence of the embezzlement, including missing financial documents such as cash boxes, salary/pension credit sheets, and the master ledger. The inquiry revealed that former senior officials, managers, clerical staff, and bank staff were involved in the scam.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) have been contacted to take further action and recover the looted money. Despite the overwhelming evidence, influential corrupt APP employees allegedly attempted to influence the FIA inquiry.
The court summoned the parties on April 7 for further action on the registered FIR. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has ordered the MD APP to restore the financial autonomy of the institution and take action against corrupt elements.
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