Audit Exposes Rs. 840 Million in Flood Relief Withdrawn From ATMs in Remote Areas

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Junaid Akbar Khan, convened to address audit objections pointing to financial irregularities across various government entities. The committee was briefed that Rs. 840 million allocated for flood relief was withdrawn from ATMs in remote areas, drawing criticism from auditors. While Syed Naveed Qamar and Bilal Ahmed Khan cited technological advancements and individual choice, Auditor General Ajmal Gondal emphasized that the matter extended beyond mere withdrawals, highlighting that the cards were intended for impoverished women unable to travel long distances. The Secretary of Poverty Alleviation acknowledged discrepancies in 11 percent of the data and assured the committee of ongoing investigations, with a comprehensive report expected within a month, as directed by Chairman Junaid Akbar. Further scrutiny of the Benazir Income Support Program revealed that Rs. 92 million was disbursed to spouses of deceased government employees and pensioners, including officials in grades 18-20. One member pointed out flawed eligibility filters that disproportionately affected poor women. The PAC Chairman instructed a resolution and a report on this matter. The PAC also examined the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC), where Rs. 354 billion remains unutilized without a clear plan. The Ministry of Petroleum agreed to provide a briefing within a month. Omar Ayub Khan called for an immediate briefing on gas infrastructure projects. Audit officials highlighted a Rs. 5.40 billion loss incurred by PPL due to lower gas consumption by GENCO-II. The Secretary of Petroleum explained the reduced gas supply and a Rs. 70 billion loss in royalty for the Sindh government, along with the increasing circular debt due to underutilized RLNG. While a comprehensive gas utilization plan is underway, Syed Naveed Qamar questioned the importance of expensive RLNG, a decision the Secretary stated was made by the cabinet. Omar Ayub Khan noted the continuous payments for RLNG shipments and the non-privatization of state-owned RLNG plants, contributing to the rising gas and electricity circular debt and putting pressure on the dollar. MD PPL Imran Abbasi informed the committee of 12 parties interested in purchasing gas from the Kandhkot field, requiring a USD 30 million investment to continue production and the drilling of three additional wells. MD GENCO-II requested a 150 MMCFD gas supply agreement for the Guddu Power Plant. The PAC meeting underscored the committee’s commitment to holding government entities accountable for financial transparency and administrative efficiency, with ongoing investigations and reports expected on the various irregularities identified.