PAC body raps finance ministry for ‘non-cooperation’ in audit matters

ISLAMABAD: The sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monitoring and Implementation took a strong exception to the finance ministry’s lack of cooperation in audit matters, warning that its continued indifference could derail financial accountability.

The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Monitoring and Implementation was held under the convenership of Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and examined audit objections of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the fiscal year 2003-04, settling two audit paras in line with DAC recommendations.

Convener Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry lamented that the finance ministry’s representation in PAC proceedings had “always been inadequate,” saying that the ministry had “failed to assist the committee in any meaningful way.”

“You behave as if you’re issuing political statements rather than helping us resolve financial matters,” Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry remarked.

He said he would write to the finance secretary, emphasising that matters involving public money cannot reach a logical conclusion if the ministry remains detached.

The meeting also discussed audit paras relating to the Ministry of Law and Justice for fiscal years 2003-04 to 2009-10. Commenting on the relatively small financial irregularities in the ministry, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the amounts involved were minor.

At this point, the secretary for law and justice quipped, “We hardly get any opportunity for large-scale embezzlement,” prompting laughter across the committee room.

The committee emphasised the importance of financial transparency and timely resolution of audit objections to strengthen public trust in state institutions.