Pakistan today faces a significant test of its resilience—two momentous events unfolding almost simultaneously. First, the arrest of six suspects tied to India’s RAW intelligence network who reportedly engaged in espionage within Pakistan. Second, an audit report exposing unauthorized, backdated pay hikes and extravagant allowances at the SECP, highlighting deep-rooted governance flaws.

This blog explores these developments in detail—what triggered them, the stakes involved, and how they reflect on Pakistan’s national security and institutional credibility.

I. RAW Network Busted: National Security Under Fire

According to video coverage, six individuals linked to the RAW network were arrested—an operation that underscores the continuous covert threats Pakistan faces from external intelligence. Security agencies unearthed a well-organized espionage cell accused of endangering public safety and national stability.

Although specific operational details weren’t available through the video, precedent cases confirm that RAW has long attempted to infiltrate Pakistani government bodies and public services. This incident emphasizes the need for vigilance and robust counterintelligence measures.

II. SECP Audit Report: A Governance Breakdown

Parallel to security concerns is the skeleton in the closet of Pakistan’s regulatory framework. A recent audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) revealed that the SECP granted massive, unauthorized salary increases and allowances without required approval from the Ministry of Finance Dawn.

Key findings include:

  • The SECP chairman received a staggering Rs 41.53 million package for the fiscal year 2023-24, while commissioners each received Rs 35.8 million, due to backdated increases from July 1, 2023 Dawn.

  • Additionally, Rs 110 million in “entertainment allowances” were disbursed without legal sanction Dawn.

  • These unauthorized payouts totaled over Rs 377.22 million, including all perks and backdated salaries Dawn.

  • The audit also flagged failure to deposit nearly Rs 14 billion into the Federal Consolidated Fund, violating the Public Finance Management Act 2019 Dawn.

The AGP urged the Ministry of Finance to either approve or reverse these illegal increases. The failure to manage and report these funds not only challenges financial discipline but erodes public trust in the SECP—the very body tasked with ensuring corporate governance.

III. Two Crises, One Underlying Theme

What links these seemingly disparate scandals is a shared reality: Pakistan’s vulnerability both internally and externally.

  • External Threats (Espionage): RAW’s attempt to recruit and operate within Pakistan shows that external actors continue targeting the nation’s stability.

  • Internal Corrosion (Misgovernance): The SECP’s fiscal mismanagement underscores cracks within government institutions themselves.

Together, these incidents signal that Pakistan must strengthen both defense against external threats and the integrity of its regulatory institutions.

IV. Reactions & Consequences

Public & Political Response

  • RAW Arrests: Security agencies were widely praised, with calls for enhanced surveillance and action against foreign interference.

  • SECP Audit: Lawmakers, economists, and the business community demanded strong reforms and accountability. Trust in regulatory institutions took a significant hit.

Broader Impact

  • Investor Confidence: The SECP scandal might weaken investor trust in Pakistan’s financial governance.

  • Governance Reform: Lawmakers may now face pressure to tighten oversight and enforcement of autonomous bodies.

  • Intelligence Coordination: The RAW case emphasizes the need for seamless intelligence-sharing across security agencies.

V. A Path Forward

Strengthening National Security

  1. Boost intelligence collaboration among CTD, IB, and ISI.

  2. Invest in digital surveillance and counter-espionage tools.

  3. Initiate public awareness programs on identifying misinformation and foreign influence tactics.

Rebuilding Institutional Integrity

  1. Require Ministry of Finance approval for all compensation and allowances in autonomous bodies.

  2. Enforce regular independent audits for agencies like SECP.

  3. Pursue disciplinary or legal consequences for officials involved in violations.

  4. Ensure full compliance with Public Finance Management Act 2019 regarding revenue deposits to the Federal Consolidated Fund.

 

Conclusion

The simultaneous emergence of a RAW-linked espionage network and the SECP’s audit scandal reveals a complex reality: Pakistan’s fight is two-pronged—from the outside and within. External infiltration and internal misconduct must be met with resilience, transparency, and accountability.

Only by strengthening its intelligence systems and police work, coupled with restoring institutional trust, can Pakistan secure its sovereignty and rebuild its credibility on both domestic and international fronts.