Quetta: The Balochistan Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen, convened in the provincial assembly’s committee room to scrutinize the financial management of local councils for the fiscal year 2021-22. The meeting was marked by stringent directives aimed at enhancing accountability and ensuring the judicious use of public funds within local government bodies.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the session was attended by key members of the PAC including Zabid Ali Reiki and Fazal Qadir, as well as Secretary Assembly Tayar Shah Kakar, Accountant General Nasrullah Jan, and other senior officials from the Local Government and Law departments. The committee rigorously reviewed audit findings and issued several directives to rectify noted discrepancies and enhance compliance with fiscal regulations.
The committee ordered an urgent report on the non-development budget totaling Rs6,852.03 million, to be submitted within 15 days. It also highlighted instances of non-compliance by local government officials in providing necessary records to auditors, an issue that the chairman described as a punishable offense.
Chairman Tareen emphasized the necessity for all Balochistan departments to establish dedicated cells to adhere to PAC rules and manage audit responses effectively, especially regarding the retirement of officers who may leave pending tasks uncompleted. Additionally, the committee addressed the non-deduction of Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) taxes, mandating departments to ensure these are properly withheld.
One specific action highlighted during the meeting involved the directive for a joint report by representatives from the PAC, local government, and Auditor General’s office concerning the physical verification of street lights on Sariab Road Bibi Ziyarat, following concerns about potential misappropriation of funds designated for their installation.
The PAC also tackled issues related to contractual obligations, such as the awarding of contracts without proper security bonds and the recovery of financial discrepancies between the CSR and NSR rates. The chairman insisted on the imposition of liquidated damages for delays in project completions and mandated the establishment of a separate wing within the local government to coordinate audit and financial compliance tasks.
These measures reflect the PAC’s commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and effective governance in managing the province’s financial resources.