Aamir Lashari
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Headquarters has received a letter from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) addressing a series of pressing matters involving financial irregularities. The letter, dated August 15, 2023, highlights several concerns raised by Senator Saifullah Abro, a member of the PAC.
In the letter, Senator Saifullah Abro has drawn attention to a range of issues that have significant implications for public funds and transparency. The matters raised include:
An inquiry report for an alleged sum of Rs. 65 billion received by various banks through over-invoicing in the rate of the dollar concerning the issuance of Letters of Credit (LCs). This was reportedly acknowledged by the sitting Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
Alleged irregularities amounting to over Rs. 32 billion in the land acquisition process for the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project, which were attributed to the provincial government of Sindh and its officials.
Audit requests for flood funds utilized between July 2022 and the present, covering the entire country. The audit includes a focus on the distribution of relief items to individuals, such as tents and ration bags, in Districts Sanghar and Dadu of the Sindh Province.
Allegations of the distribution of expired flour across the country, with a reported loss of 18 lac (1.8 million) flour bags in Punjab. These allegations were made by former Prime Minister Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Mr. Nadeem Afzal Chan, Ex-Advisor to the Prime Minister.
Claims of irregularities and kickbacks in awarding contracts to disqualified companies for the mega project of a 765kV double-circuit transmission line from Das Hydro Power Station to Islamabad, valued at US$800 billion and funded by the World Bank.
Questionable practices in the use of MNA Funds, totaling over Rs. 30 billion, released between 2022 and 2023 by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Ministry of Housing, particularly in Sindh Province where funds were reportedly consumed rapidly.
The issuance of three letters by the Power Division on March 31, 2022, regarding the recovery of a significant amount of damages from a power generation company. The letter calls for action against relevant officials and entities involved.
Allegations of illegal appointments and violations of rules and procedures within the boards of various departments under the Power Division.
The Chairman of PAC has directed the FIA Zonal Directorates to review their records and determine whether any inquiries or cases related to the mentioned matters are ongoing within their respective zones. A detailed report on the raised concerns has been requested by August 18, 2023, for further actions.
These revelations underline the critical role of the Public Accounts Committee in ensuring accountability and transparency in government expenditure, in line with the principles of good governance.
