Contractors received Rs11 billion without lab reports for development projects
A shocking revelation emerged during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting of the National Assembly, where it was disclosed that Rs11 billion was paid to contractors for development projects without proper lab reports.
The meeting, held at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Junaid Akbar, reviewed audit objections for the Ministry of Housing and Works for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Concerns over financial mismanagement
The PAC expressed frustration over the non-submission of a report on the sugar crisis.
The committee had earlier sought details from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry regarding sugar prices, exports, and imports.
Also, read this
Steel Mill scandal: 54 acres of land allotted to four individuals
Champions Trophy: Who funded stadium renovations? PAC seeks financial records
Government spends over Rs 1.35 billion to curb protests in Islamabad
As a result, three federal secretaries — Industry, Food Security and Commerce — have been summoned for the explanation.
During the review of audit objections related to the Ministry of Housing and Works, the issue of lapsed grants was raised.
The Secretary of Housing and Works claimed that funds were released too late, making it difficult to utilise them on time.
Committee member Naveed Qamar criticised the Finance Ministry for delaying fund disbursements, calling it a flawed system.
“It’s absurd to release funds on June 26, just before the fiscal year ends,” he remarked.
PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar demanded an explanation from Finance and Planning Secretaries, instructing them to fix the fund disbursement mechanism.
PWD under scrutiny
The committee also questioned the status of the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD).
The Secretary of Housing stated that the federal cabinet had decided to dissolve the department, but a final decision was still pending.
When Naveed Qamar asked if the PWD was still operational, the secretary responded that its projects had already been transferred to provincial departments, ministries, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Chairman Junaid Akbar strongly criticised the PWD, calling it one of the most corrupt institutions in the country. The Auditor General further pointed out that no complete performance audit of any department had been conducted so far.
Quality concerns in development projects
The PAC also revealed serious discrepancies in 952 development projects across the country, where contractors failed to meet the agreed quality standards.
The report described the case as a clear instance of collusion, stating that billions of rupees were disbursed without timely verification of project quality.
Frustrated with the Housing and Works Secretary over the failure to complete projects, committee members directed the ministry to submit a response within one month.
The PAC also instructed officials to take action against those responsible and report back with details of disciplinary measures.
For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @Aaj_Urdu. We are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Comments are closed on this story.