PAC panel directs transparency in public funds use

ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee directed the Establishment Division to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public resources.

The directives were given when the Public Accounts Committee panel was reviewing decades-old audit objections concerning the Establishment Division on Friday.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sub-committee, chaired by Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, examined audit objections for the financial years 2003-04 and 2008-09 related to the Establishment Division.

During review of the audit observation regarding award of petrol pump lease in Karachi without open tendering at a nominal rent. Audit officials informed the committee that the Staff Welfare Organisation, Karachi allocated land to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) in 1962 on a 30-year lease for establishing a petrol pump. The lease expired in 1992, but the administration extended it for an additional 10 years without open tenders, at a minimal rent of Rs4,200 per month, which triggered the audit objection.

In response, PSO representatives clarified that the company had not sublet the petrol pump to any third party. Nevertheless, the committee expressed serious concerns over the issue and directed PSO and the Staff Welfare Organisation to resolve it jointly. The committee granted both parties four weeks to settle the matter and submit report.

The meeting also addressed other audit objections related to the Establishment Division, issuing directives to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public resources.