Aurangzeb visits AGP office, urges reforms

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb visited the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) office on Monday.

According to an announcement from the AGP office, the auditor-general warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and expressed gratitude for taking time from his busy schedule to visit the Department of the Auditor-General of Pakistan (DAGP), the country’s supreme audit institution.

The director-general (policy) of the AGP office delivered a detailed presentation on the department’s mandate, scope, stakeholder interactions, internal governance and integrity mechanisms, and the impact of audit activities. The presentation highlighted how these efforts strengthen internal controls, stabilise the economy, and benefit the citizens of Pakistan.

The minister was briefed on the professionally prepared audit reports, which include actionable recommendations based on independently and apolitically executed audit programs. These reports aim to assist the parliament and provincial legislatures in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The collaborative approach to auditing was also emphasised, with inputs sought from principal accounting officers, civil society organisations and even the general public for next year’s audit plans. The minister expressed keen interest in the department’s work and underscored the importance of reforms in the departmental accounts committee framework. He urged principal accounting officers to promptly implement audit recommendations to enhance transparency and good governance.

The minister was also apprised of the challenges faced by the DAGP in managing its extensive constitutional responsibilities. He acknowledged the need to revise the AGP Act in light of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Supreme Court decisions, and international best practices.

The minister assured his full support for establishing offices of the director-general receipts audit at the provincial level to fulfil the AGP’s constitutional obligations.