According to information obtained by Tijarat News, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MoNFSR) has repatriated a BS-19 officer, Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar, who was posted on deputation to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), to his parent department—the Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Government of Balochistan—following multiple allegations of mismanagement and corruption.
Credible sources told Tijarat News that under a notification issued earlier this month, Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar has been immediately withdrawn from the DPP and directed to report to his parent department.
Officials say this is not the first time he has been repatriated from the DPP. Previously, during the tenure of former MoNFSR Secretary Wasim Ajmal Chaudhry, he was sent back after his arrest in 2024 by the FIA Corporate Crime Circle, Karachi, in a case involving corruption and forged documents. However, officials claim that despite the repatriation order, he neither reported to the Establishment Division nor joined his parent department, remaining absent from duty for several months.
According to sources within the ministry, after being absent for more than four months, Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar allegedly managed to have his repatriation order withdrawn and was subsequently appointed Deputy Secretary (Planning) in MoNFSR. Sources allege that this appointment was made under political pressure, though this could not be officially confirmed.
Officials state that the latest repatriation was triggered by allegations that Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar shared confidential information related to MoNFSR and DPP with clearing agents and fumigation companies based in Karachi. He is also accused of maintaining links with individuals involved in the clearing and fumigation business connected to imports and exports.
Authorities further allege that fake and fabricated documents were submitted to the DPP for the registration of methyl bromide imported from a Chinese company, prepared with the collusion of certain DPP officials.
Additionally, Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar has been accused of extorting money in the names of senior officers from several fumigation companies, including Tahir Fumigation Services, Adeel Pesticides, Pentagon Fumigation Services, and Pak Pansy. According to officials, these companies claim to possess evidence of contacts and financial transactions allegedly linked to his foreign visits, including a trip to China.
In a memorandum issued on February 1, 2024, the then Director General DPP, Dr. Allah Ditta Abid, accused Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar of repeatedly failing to perform assigned duties while holding dual responsibilities. The allegations included delays in auctioning confiscated vehicles, failure to repair vehicles required for locust surveillance, non-issuance of extension orders for contract employees, and non-implementation of transfer and disciplinary orders.
Sources said the memorandum also alleged that, as Director Quarantine, he failed to fulfill responsibilities such as conducting technical audits of export processing facilities and preparing technical dossiers for export goods. This negligence reportedly reduced the registration of Pakistani institutions with international regulatory bodies, causing financial losses and negatively affecting export competitiveness.
Officials further stated that in late 2023 and early 2024, phytosanitary certificates issued for the export of citrus fruits from Karachi contained incorrect and misleading information. These certificates were allegedly issued by a contract-based entomologist, Muhammad Hanif, on the instructions of Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar. The certificates were linked to an exporter based in Sargodha, prompting objections from stakeholders.
Following complaints, Muhammad Hanif allegedly went missing from duty, and relevant official records were also found missing. After Dr. Abid’s transfer, Muhammad Hanif reappeared and, according to officials, continued to draw salary even during his absence. Ministry officials said a proposal to terminate his contract was made but not implemented.
Separately, the Directorate General of Agriculture Research, Balochistan, issued a notice on February 12, 2024, highlighting alleged irregularities during Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar’s tenure as Director Agriculture Research. These included the disappearance of government equipment—such as a tractor and a laser leveler—from the institute’s inventory, unregistered auction of scrap, and handing over official residential premises to a non-governmental organization.
The notice directed him to submit an explanation within the stipulated time, return the missing assets, and clarify financial matters, warning of disciplinary action in case of non-compliance.
Questions were also raised about the legal validity of his posting in the DPP, with officials pointing to a mismatch between his academic qualifications and the requirements of the position. A quo warranto petition was also filed in the Sindh High Court, during which the ministry informed the court that Muhammad Qasim Khan Kakar had been repatriated to his parent department.
According to Tijarat News, while the latest repatriation notification does not specify the allegations, officials familiar with the matter said the decision was taken in the context of ongoing investigations, administrative reforms in the DPP, and efforts to restore regulatory discipline, as the department is currently under intense scrutiny over governance and enforcement issues. Ministry officials declined to comment on whether further disciplinary action would be taken.
It is worth noting that in recent months, several high-level transfers and suspensions have taken place within the DPP, reflecting the ministry’s efforts to address policy and administrative challenges related to phytosanitary controls and international trade obligations.
