Audit Reveals Over Rs. 3.41 Billion Irregularities in Balochistan Local Government Department

Quetta:Massive financial irregularities amounting to over **Rs. 3.41 billion** have been uncovered in Balochistan’s Local Government Department during the last fiscal year, according to the latest **audit report for 2024–25** issued by the **Auditor General of Pakistan**.

The report highlights that the department made **unjustified expenditures exceeding Rs. 290 million** and incurred **unauthorized spending of over Rs. 700 million**. Additionally, the department failed to provide records worth **Rs. 37.6 million** to the audit team, raising serious transparency concerns.

Further scrutiny revealed that due to delays in the auction of assets and failure to revise property rents in a timely manner, the department suffered a **loss of Rs. 774.9 million**. Moreover, the department **under-collected revenue by Rs. 792.9 million**, which significantly impacted the province’s financial resources.

Another major concern was the **excessive payments** made under the pretext of inflated rates for development projects, totaling **Rs. 302.6 million**. The audit also flagged the **misuse of Rs. 25.3 million**, and withdrawal of **Rs. 8 million** from accounts without proper justification.

The audit report, which was tabled in the **Provincial Assembly**, has now been **referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)** for further investigation and accountability.

These revelations have raised alarms over the management and financial discipline within the Local Government Department, prompting calls for swift action against those responsible.