The Public Accounts Committee-II (PAC-II) of the Punjab Assembly has uncovered several financial and administrative irregularities dating back to the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee took serious notice of the audit observations and directed authorities to expedite recoveries and ensure compliance with its recommendations.
Meeting Chaired by Syed Ali Haider Gilani
The meeting was chaired by PAC-II Chairman Syed Ali Haider Gilani (Hilal-i-Imtiaz) and attended by officials from the Punjab Assembly, the Audit Department, the Finance Department, and various government departments. The committee conducted a detailed review of audit paras related to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), along with their subordinate departments and autonomous bodies.
Key Irregularities Highlighted
During the proceedings, audit officials highlighted a number of irregularities and governance lapses. Among the key observations was the failure to prepare Punjab’s Annual Environmental Report and the EPA’s failure to formulate penalty rules despite legal requirements. The committee was also informed that environmental approvals were not issued within the prescribed timeframe, and penalties were not imposed in cases where violations had occurred.
The audit review further revealed unauthorized payments for equipment procured for COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs), unnecessary expenditures on the purchase of tents during the pandemic, and irregular payments of liabilities. Additional financial discrepancies were reported in the expenditure on petrol, oil and lubricants (POL) for rented vehicles, as well as in matters related to printing and publication. Audit officials pointed to weaknesses in financial controls and administrative oversight in several departments.
Committee Directives
Taking strong notice of the findings, PAC-II directed the relevant authorities to complete the recovery process on a priority basis and submit progress reports to the committee. The chairman stressed the need for accountability and transparency in the utilization of public funds. The committee also instructed concerned officers to take all necessary measures to ensure timely implementation of its recommendations and to address the audit objections without delay.
The meeting underscored the committee’s role in scrutinizing public expenditure and ensuring that government departments adhere to financial rules and administrative procedures.
