Over Rs1.17 Billion Irregularities Unearthed in Quetta Metropolitan Corporation Accounts

Quetta: Massive financial irregularities amounting to over Rs1.17 billion have been uncovered in the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) during the fiscal year 2023–24, according to an audit report prepared by the Auditor General of Pakistan.

The report revealed alleged misuse of Rs103.12 million from revenues collected through bicycle/motorcycle stands, stalls, NADRA birth, marriage and death certificates, and rental fees.

It further highlighted irregularities of over Rs1.787 billion in shop rentals, contract renewals, and unauthorized allotments. The corporation managed to collect only Rs36.4 million out of the targeted Rs823.6 million in taxes, resulting in a loss of more than Rs792.9 million to the exchequer.

The non-auctioning of petrol pumps alone caused financial losses exceeding Rs65.6 million, while the lease renewal of Imdad Hotel at below-market rates led to further losses worth millions.

On Joint Road, 51 out of 54 constructed shops were not rented out, inflicting losses of more than Rs34.3 million. Similarly, non-collection of rent from 50 shops and cabins on Prince Road caused losses of Rs15 million, while irregularities in the Bakra Phedi contract led to losses exceeding Rs14.5 million.

Additionally, discrepancies worth Rs18.4 million were reported in the arrangements made for hosting a Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket match.

The audit report has been submitted to the Public Accounts Committee of the Balochistan Assembly for further scrutiny.