Pakistan Post used Rs4bn collected through electricity bills

ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday expressed serious concerns over the unauthorised use of over Rs4 billion by Pakistan Post Office, calling it an “outright misappropriation of public funds.”

The committee, chaired by Junaid Akbar Khan, reviewed audit paras related to the Ministry of Communications for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The panel also voiced displeasure over the absence of National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman, with the communications secretary citing his engagement in another important meeting.

During the session, PAC members scrutinized the illegal utilisation of Rs4 billion collected by the Pakistan Post through utility bill payments, money orders and postal revenue. Chairman Junaid Akbar termed the matter a grave negligence, stating, “People have become defaulters due to your negligence.”

The committee questioned how funds meant for utility bills were diverted without authorisation. “These were payments made by citizens for their utility bills. How could you use that money?” Khan demanded.

Committee member Khawaja Shehryar Mahmood went further, calling it “daylight robbery” and demanding accountability.

The communications secretary responded that the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) had not provided complete data but assured that inquiries were completed, responsible officials identified, and departmental action taken. “Reconciliation with the National Bank of Pakistan is essential in this matter,” he added.

Dissatisfied, Junaid Khan pressed, “How did you use money that didn’t belong to you? These funds were collected for utilities, not for internal expenses.” The committee deferred the audit para and summoned NBP officials for the next meeting.

The PAC also took a strong exception to illegal recruitments in Pakistan Post, referring the matter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation. Audit officials revealed that 4,252 positions were advertised against only 3,938 sanctioned posts, with 314 appointments made in excess.

“People were recruited who hadn’t even applied, and most documents were fake,” Junaid Khan stated. Communications ministry officials said action was underway against those with fraudulent credentials, but the PAC chairman insisted the scale of fraud warranted NAB’s intervention.

“Jobs were sold, and now you’re hiding behind stay orders,” Junaid Khan alleged. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan added, “Those who received money and those who paid both acted unlawfully.” The committee decided to summon the attorney general to address legal hurdles posed by stay orders.

The PAC also examined audit objections regarding Pakistan Post opening unauthorised bank accounts. While the Finance Division had approved three accounts, Pakistan Post opened two additional ones without permission. “No action has been taken by the department so far,” audit officials informed.

The communications secretary admitted institutional challenges within the Pakistan Post. When questioned about the 18-month delay in seeking financial approval, Junaid Khan noted discrepancies: “The Finance Division claims it never received the case, while the secretary says it was sent — both cannot be right.” The committee directed the Finance Ministry to submit a detailed response.

Meanwhile, Chairman Junaid Akbar formed a sub-committee, headed by Moin Amir Pirzada, with members Nadeem Abbas, Khawaja Shiraz, and Saleem Mandviwalla, to further investigate the matters.