Federal Secretary of Education Demands Report on Use of World Bank Funds from Sindh

Karachi: Federal Secretary for Education and Professional Training, Mohiuddin Wani, has requested a detailed report from the provincial government of Sindh on how and where the World Bank’s funds amounting to 4.1 billion Pakistani rupees have been spent.

In a letter to the Provincial Secretary of School Education, Zahid Abbasi, the Federal Secretary emphasized that the federal government is implementing the ASPIRE program, which is supported by financial assistance from the World Bank, with a total fund of 200 million US dollars.

The letter highlighted that during the recent audit for the financial year 2023-24, the federal audit team raised serious concerns regarding the failure of provinces to submit their audit reports. This, according to the letter, undermines the program’s goals of promoting accountability and efficient use of resources.

Despite multiple reminders sent to address this concern, no satisfactory response has been received thus far. The letter further pointed out that the ASPIRE program allocates 90% of the funds to the provinces, acknowledging their significant role in the program’s successful implementation, while only 10% of the funds are designated for federal activities.

It was also noted that regular audits have been conducted at the federal level since the program’s inception, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability.

In light of the audit concerns, the letter requested that an external audit be conducted for the funds transferred under the ASPIRE program and that the audit reports be submitted to the PCU, MoFE, and PT.