Muhammad Asim Khichi, Managing Director of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), has been declared the most respected bureaucrat in the federal service, earning rare distinction and praise from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. In a political and bureaucratic environment where many officers often feel apprehensive of public forums, Khichi stood out as a whistleblower who received utmost respect and commendation for his integrity and principled stance.
The committee, chaired by MNA Pullain Baloch, applauded MD APP for fearlessly exposing a massive financial scandal worth over Rs 1.24 billion within the organization. Members paid glowing tribute to his honesty and commitment to institutional accountability, vowing full support for the ongoing probe.
Chairman Pullain Baloch emphasized that accountability must not be delayed and pledged complete backing in ensuring that those involved in embezzlement of public funds are brought to justice. Secretary Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Ambreen Jan, also lauded MD APP’s decisive role in uncovering corruption, assuring full ministerial support for his reform and transparency agenda.
Committee member Syed Amin ul Haq (MQM) asked whether threats had been made against the MD by the corrupt mafia. He, along with other members, assured Khichi of unwavering parliamentary support in resisting external pressures. The committee unanimously directed APP management to recover embezzled funds and continue strengthening internal controls.
Briefing the committee, MD Asim Khichi revealed that an internal inquiry exposed large-scale irregularities, including embezzlement of Rs 1.24 billion in a PSDP project, fake appointments, misappropriation of provident funds, and manipulation of employee-related expenses. FIA has registered cases against 16 individuals, including former executive directors, managers, and clerical staff.
Highlighting APP’s achievements, Khichi informed the committee that the agency’s official website has generated Rs 2.4 million annually and successfully migrated to a local server, saving $9,000 yearly. The website has attracted 85 million impressions, with growing digital reach across Facebook (10.3m), TikTok (10m), X (1.5m), Instagram (319k), and YouTube (137k). On average, 350–400 news stories are published daily.
He further disclosed that APP is awaiting cabinet approval for MoUs with 11 foreign news agencies, while its degree verification committee is close to completing scrutiny to weed out individuals with fake or unverified credentials. Pension reforms have also been introduced, with life certificates now mandatory every six months to ensure transparent disbursements. A demand of Rs 300 million has been placed before the Finance Division for pension enhancements.
Khichi projected APP’s revenue potential at Rs 200 million annually through new strategic initiatives, underlining his vision for financial sustainability.
The committee also reviewed reforms in Pakistan Television (PTV), settlement of dues, and the performance of the Press Information Commission (PIC), which has disposed of 5,435 complaints out of 6,340 registered cases in the last eight years.
During the session, Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hassan briefed members on Independence Day advertisements, flagging an omission of Quaid-e-Azam’s image — an error admitted by the advertising agency but deemed unacceptable by the oversight committee. He assured that dues of newspapers for FY 2024-25 would be cleared by September.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Sehar Kamran, Amin ul Haq, Asia Naz Tanoli, Rana Ansar, Kiran Imran Dar, Shaheen, and Salahuddin Junejo, while Mehtab Akbar Rashdi participated virtually
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