Balochistan PAC Flags Waste of Development Funds, Says Poverty Alleviation Ignored in Planning

**Quetta:** The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly has expressed serious concern over the waste of development funds and the failure to prioritize poverty alleviation in provincial planning, stating that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were largely ignored during the formulation of development projects.

The PAC meeting was held in the committee room under the chairmanship of Asghar Ali Tareen. Committee members Zamarak Khan Achakzai, Zabad Ali Reki, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Safia Bibi and Fazal Qadir Mandokhail attended the session. Also present were Secretary Assembly Tahir Shah Kakar, Director General Audit Shuja Ali, Secretary Planning and Development Asif Ali Farrukh, Additional Secretary PAC Siraj Lehri, Additional Secretary Law Saeed Iqbal and Chief Accounts Officer Syed Idris Agha.

During the meeting, thematic audit paras of the Planning and Development (P&D) Department were reviewed, including audit objections related to the prioritization of funds under SDGs, PSDP estimates for the fiscal year 2021–22, slow project execution, weak planning and ineffective utilization of funds. The committee was informed that the Balochistan government did not prioritize SDGs while planning development projects and failed to launch any comprehensive programs aimed at eradicating hunger and reducing poverty.

It was further disclosed that out of a total PSDP of Rs 189,196 million, only Rs 5,452 million were allocated across various sectors, in violation of Federal Support Unit guidelines. The PAC chairman directed that SDGs be adopted on a priority basis and that development resources be utilized effectively.

The committee also expressed grave concern over inadequate funding for new development schemes, project delays, cost overruns and poor monitoring. Members were informed that during the fiscal year 2021–22, only 18 percent of funds were allocated to 326 new projects, while 247 projects received no funding at all, resulting in incomplete schemes and the wastage of billions of rupees.

The PAC directed the Planning and Development Department to submit detailed progress reports on all development projects, particularly regarding delays in Quetta Package schemes, repeated road excavations and related issues. The committee announced that complete records would be sought in a follow-up meeting to be held within seven days.

Emphasizing accountability, Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen stressed the need for improved oversight, transparency and timely completion of development projects, identification of responsible officials and strict measures to prevent further loss of public funds. He said these steps were essential for sustainable development, public trust and fulfillment of international commitments.