A troubling case of financial misconduct has come to light at the Pakistani Consulate in Sydney, involving the misappropriation of AU$97,570 from public funds. The amount was intended for the payment to M/s Diversified Communications, the organizing firm of the Fine Food Exhibition 2024, held in Melbourne from 2–5 September. As per the agreement, the payment was to be made in advance. The entire communication with the firm was handled by Consul General Mr. Qamar Zaman and the Trade Development Officer (TDO).
On 15 August 2024, the Consul General forwarded an invoice to the Accounts Section with a handwritten directive stating, “Approved. Please make payment.” Based on this instruction, the payment was processed and transferred the following day. However, M/s Diversified Communications soon informed the Consulate that the funds were sent to an incorrect bank account. A comparison of the invoices revealed that the bank details provided by the CG differed from the authentic ones shared by the company.
The case was immediately reported to the Commonwealth Bank, which later responded that it appeared to be a scam. However, due to local laws, the bank did not disclose the identity of the fraudulent account holder and declared itself not liable for the loss. Despite having followed clear written instructions from the CG, the Head of Chancery, the Accountant, and the TDO were unfairly blamed for the incident.
As a result of the failed payment, the organizers initially denied Pakistan’s participation in the exhibition. To manage the situation, the CG allegedly instructed the misuse of Consulate funds under fabricated reasons. Two payments, AU$7,900 and AU$7,100, were made from the Pakistan Community Welfare and Education Fund and the Export Marketing and Development Fund as repatriation of a dead body and furniture purchases., respectively, under false pretenses. These funds, meant for public welfare and trade promotion, were diverted to cover the shortfall caused by the earlier misdirected payment.
After attending the exhibition, the CG falsely reported to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) that all payments had been settled properly. Later, he directed the TDO and the Accountant to each deposit AU$20,000 personally to pay the remaining dues. While the TDO complied under pressure, the Accountant initially refused. In retaliation, a baseless inquiry regarding fake verifications of driving licenses was launched against him. Eventually, the CG offered to stop the inquiry in exchange for payment. The Accountant, under immense pressure, gathered his savings and borrowed money to pay AU$20,000, only to face further victimization, including a recommendation for his recall.
This situation reflects a severe abuse of power, financial embezzlement, and retaliatory actions against honest officials. It has led to national embarrassment and a violation of ethical and administrative standards. The whistleblower has appealed for an impartial investigation, recovery of lost funds, and intervention by Pakistani media and human rights organizations. The case demands immediate attention from higher authorities to uphold transparency, accountability, and justice within Pakistan’s foreign missions.
