20-Year-Old Relief Data on Afghan Refugees Goes Missing from Foreign Ministry Records

The Public Accounts Sub-Committee of Parliament expressed strong displeasure at officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the disappearance of 20-year-old data related to relief efforts for Afghan refugees. Audit officials revealed that data for 11 relief projects for Afghan refugees has not been provided. According to an audit briefing, Rs. 5.5 billion were disbursed for these projects, but no voucher accounts were submitted. Payments worth billions of rupees were made to contractors without maintaining proper records. The audit report further highlighted that cash books, general ledgers, vouchers, and other essential records were not maintained. It was disclosed that Rs. 1.73 billion was spent on wheat, computers, religious books, and student assistance, while Rs. 11.4 million was spent on establishing NESPAK in Kabul. Additionally, a Rs. A 1.1 billion scholarship program for 2,000 Afghan students was also part of the relief efforts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs admitted that they do not have complete records of the relief package, stating, “We only have partial records.” This response drew sharp criticism from committee member Bilal Ahmed Khan, who remarked, “How is it possible that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no records at all?” Bilal Ahmed Khan also questioned the role of the Ministry of Planning during that time. Officials from the Planning Ministry stated that they acted on instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office and followed orders. They added, “For any program, a proper plan is created, and we only played our role.” However, Bilal Ahmed Khan countered, “We are not asking about the money. Was your role limited to just forwarding paperwork?” Audit officials clarified that all grants were under the control of the Secretary of Planning, and the audit report was also prepared by the Planning Division. The Secretary of Planning stated, “We need to determine who made the expenditures, as they will be held responsible.” He further clarified that all expenditures at the time were made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bilal Ahmed Khan demanded action against those responsible for the missing records and expenditures. He also urged the Ministry of Planning to clarify its role if it was involved in the spending. The Secretary of Planning admitted, “I am not clear on what role the Planning Ministry played in this matter.” The committee has directed the Ministry of Planning to submit a detailed report within three weeks, outlining all relevant details and clarifying responsibilities.