PAC uncovers billion-rupee mismanagement in Balochistan energy dept

QUETTA: Massive financial irregularities plaguing the Balochistan Energy Department have led to billions in losses, a PAC investigation shows.

The department failed to utilise Rs.2.31bn in allocated funds, paid Rs 40bn in subsidies without proper auditing, and continues to ignore Rs 554bn in unpaid electricity bills owed by powerful landlords and government entities. The revelations emerged during a meeting of the committee, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, during which lawmakers scrutinised the department over budget lapses, unverified payments, and unchecked subsidies.

It was attended by committee members Fazal Qadir Mando Khel, Wali Muhammad Noorzai, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, and Safia Bibi. Also present were Opposition Leader Younus Aziz Zehri, Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Director-General Audit Shuja Ali, Deputy Accountant General Hafiz Noorul Haq, and PAC Additional Secretary Siraj Lehri.

Audit officials disclosed that in the financial year 2021–22, the Energy Department received Rs 10.4billion but spent only Rs8 billion,allowing Rs2.31 billion to lapse unused. Lawmakers criticised the department for irresponsible budgeting and ineffective use of funds. Wali Muhammad Noorzai dismissed the justification of vacant posts as “unacceptable,” emphasising that wasting 30pc of allocated funds constituted “a serious crime.” Fazal Qadir Mando Khel asserted that those responsible would be held accountable.

The committee unanimously resolved to write to the Chief Secretary, directing that any secretary who fails to return more than 5pc of unspent funds to the Finance Department in a timely manner will face strict disciplinary action.

The PAC also uncovered alarming irregularities in subsidised tube wells, where Rs10 billion was paid to K-Electric and Rs30 billion to QESCO without meter readings—relying solely on estimates. Members denounced this as “open malpractice.” Chairman Tareen noted that the PAC had already ordered an inquiry in 2021, but the Energy Department failed to comply despite acknowledging lapses in its incomplete report. “If this attitude continues, we will refer the case to NAB,” he warned. Rehmat Saleh Baloch described the situation as “sheer looting,” while the chairman stated that issuing multi-billion-rupee bills without proper record-keeping was criminal.

Members were shocked to learn that Balochistan’s landlords owe QESCO Rs500 billion and government departments Rs54 billion in unpaid electricity bills, yet the Energy Department continues to make payments without reconciliation. Despite these substantial arrears, electricity supply outside Quetta remains limited to only 3–4 hours daily, highlighting gross mismanagement.