PAC panel concerned over ‘violations’ of PPRA rules by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ISLAMABAD: The Sub-Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed concern over lapses in compliance with procurement rules while reviewing audit objections of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2011-12 to 2022-23. 

The meeting, held at the Parliament House under the convenership of Syed Naveed Qamar on Wednesday, directed strict adherence to financial regulations. It settled 47 objections on the recommendation of audit officials. Qamar remarked that the poor performance of institutions is reflected in their disregard for PAC directives, stressing that the PAC decisions must be implemented without exception.

According to audit officials Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules were not followed in the construction of a building in Manama, Bahrain, during 2012-13. The secretary of Foreign Affairs said the project was assigned to NESPAK but acknowledged delays due to cement shortages. The audit officials noted that a 10 per cent penalty for the delay was not imposed. Settling the objection, Naveed Qamar directed strict observence of PPRA rules.

Simiarly, the audit officials informed the committee that Pakistan’s mission in the US disbursed Rs17.9 million as a “furniture allowance” to officials and officers without legal justification or approval from the Finance Division. The auditors emphasized that no allowance could be granted without approval of the Finance Division. Continued from page 12

The Foreign Office officials responded that the issue would be referred to the Finance Division, noting that the disbursement had also delayed pension processing. The committee directed the Finance Division to submit a detailed response within 30 days.