FY2011-12 to 2022-23: PAC panel reviews audit objections about ED

Business Recorder reported that a sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Convener Syed Naveed Qamar, reviewed a set of audit objections concerning the Establishment Division covering financial years from 2011-12 through 2022-23. Among them was a matter involving investments above Rs3 billion made without authorization by the Federal Employees Benevolent and Group Insurance Funds. Auditors told the panel that an inquiry had followed and the case had been sent to the National Accountability Bureau.

Officials from the Finance and Law ministries turned up without adequate preparation, which provoked strong displeasure in the committee. Qamar said he had received a briefing only that morning, even though the audit paragraph had come up several times over the years. He also pointed out that proper Departmental Audit Committee meetings were not being held.

The panel sent the officials from both ministries out of the meeting. It instructed them to return to the next session thoroughly prepared on the matter.