Serious Financial Irregularities Uncovered in Balochistan Police Budget, Says Public Accounts Committee

Quetta – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Balochistan has revealed grave financial irregularities in the police department’s budget and expenditures for the fiscal year 2022–23. In a key meeting, the PAC reviewed audit paras, supplementary budget allocations, and financial practices within the department, uncovering violations that contravene both financial protocols and constitutional provisions.
One of the major findings was the unauthorized issuance of a supplementary budget worth Rs. 1.2 billion to the police department by the Finance Department, without the approval of the provincial assembly. PAC members labeled this a serious breach of Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly Article 84, which prohibits allocation of funds without parliamentary consent.
The committee also highlighted Rs. 458.8 million in irregularities in the procurement of vehicles, which were purchased without an open tender—violating Balochistan’s public procurement laws. Payments were made to two different firms, and vehicles were acquired even before the issuance of property certificates, which are legally supposed to be approved by the cabinet, not the Additional Chief Secretary.
Further financial mismanagement was identified in the misuse of House Rent Allowance, resulting in a loss of Rs. 8.48 million, as officers residing in government accommodations continued to receive housing allowance without deductions. PAC directed that the amount be recovered within three months from all serving officers, while granting exemption to retired, deceased, or martyred personnel.
The PAC also expressed concern over the non-recovery of Rs. 742.9 million in security charges from various public and private organizations—including PTCL, National Bank, and Radio Pakistan—despite police personnel providing security services since 1991. Over 1,000 officers are currently assigned to such duties without any financial compensation being collected. The committee instructed that all outstanding dues be recovered within a month, or security services would be withdrawn.
Additionally, the committee ordered the collection of Rs. 5.445 million in unpaid government taxes within a month and emphasized that no audit paras should be approved without prior cabinet approval. The PAC chairman stressed that while the police department operates under limited resources, it is not an excuse for violating legal and financial rules. He warned that such misconduct will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against those responsible.