Voice of Hindukush has obtained a document revealing that the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul issued a cheque for one million, thirty-three thousand, and five hundred thirty (1,033,530) Afghanis to its national bank, requesting the payment of outstanding electricity bills to the Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (State-owned Electricity Company).
This document, sent in March, was a follow-up from the Pakistan Embassy to its national bank regarding a previously issued cheque. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether Pakistan’s national bank has made the payment to the Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat.
Information obtained by Voice of Hindukush shows that the issue involves not only financial but also legal matters. The building that currently houses the Pakistan Embassy was previously home to the British Embassy. Reports suggest that the transfer of ownership, service contracts, and financial obligations of the building is still unclear, creating legal challenges for the Pakistan Embassy in pursuing its financial claims.
In addition, findings obtained by Voice of Hindukush reveals that Pakistan’s embassies and missions in Kabul, as well as in several other countries, owe millions of dollars to private contractors for various services.
Economic analysts warn that Pakistan’s economic situation is steadily deteriorating. The Pakistani currency’s value continues to decline, foreign exchange reserves are shrinking, and the trade deficit is expanding. Due to political instability and poor governance, investor confidence is decreasing, and many government agencies are struggling to meet both domestic and international financial obligations.
These analysts further emphasize that the delayed payments by Pakistan’s embassies for services highlight that the country’s financial crisis has now extended beyond its borders to affect its foreign missions.
