‘Balochistan denied Rs11.15bn from federal share’

QUETTA: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Balochistan Assembly has raised strong concerns over province receiving Rs11.15 billion less from Federal Divisible Pool share, describing it a violation of Constitution and 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

The committee, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, reviewed financial and administrative affairs of provincial Industries and Commerce Department. Members present included Rahmat Saleh Baloch, Wali Mohammad Noorzai, Zabad Ali Reki, Ghulam Dastagir Badini and Safia Bibi along with Accountant General Nasrullah Jan, DG Audit Shuja Ali and departmental officials.

The PAC strongly objected to absence of Finance Secretary during discussion of such a serious matter, terming it “unacceptable”. It instructed Auditor General’s office to verify recovery of withheld amount and summoned Finance Secretary to appear before the committee tomorrow (Wednesday) to clarify when reconciliation would be finaliaed.

The committee highlighted a discrepancy of Rs6.99 billion between district accounts offices and the National Bank, calling it a “serious irregularity” that undermines financial discipline.

During its review of Industries Department’s accounts, PAC was informed the Department received a grant of Rs2.53 billion in FY 2021–22, out of which Rs196 million remained unutilised, but was not surrendered, showing weak financial planning. It was revealed Rs62.5 million in ground rent had not been collected from allottees despite repeated audit reminders, while contractors were overpaid Rs5.1 million through inflated rates and unauthorised works.

Chairman Tareen expressed his anger over excess payments, calling them “against the rules”, and ordered immediate recovery. He directed all departments to ensure timely Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meetings to resolve irregularities, warning otherwise PAC would be forced to take strict measures.