Audit Report Reveals Massive Financial Irregularities in Quetta Metropolitan Corporation

Quetta: An audit report has revealed large-scale financial irregularities amounting to more than **Rs 3.21 billion** in the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta, including illegal payments, transfer of public funds, and violations of financial rules.

According to the audit report for the fiscal year **2024–25**, major public funds and assets were transferred to private companies, while several collected revenues were not deposited into official government accounts.

The report stated that the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation transferred **Rs 406.6 million in government funds** and **movable and immovable assets worth Rs 2.509 billion** to a private company under a public-private partnership arrangement. Through the Balochistan Public Private Partnership Authority, about **Rs 386.6 million** were transferred to Safa Quetta. In addition, heavy machinery and workshops worth **Rs 2.509 billion** were also handed over to the same company.

However, auditors were reportedly denied access to relevant agreements and records, making it impossible to verify the legal justification for these transfers. The report also noted that **Rs 20 million** were paid to the Cantonment Board Quetta for an unspecified activity.

Further irregularities included the splitting of civil works and repair projects worth **Rs 36.683 million** to avoid open tendering and approval from competent authorities. Revenues amounting to **Rs 19.5 million** collected from 80 stalls and parking facilities were not deposited into official accounts.

Additionally, **Rs 2.445 million** collected from birth, death, and marriage certificates were also not recorded in the official accounts. The lease of Liaquat Family Park was auctioned for **Rs 4.56 million**, but an outstanding **Rs 4.18 million** was not recovered before granting a three-year extension.

The report further highlighted losses of **Rs 136.117 million** due to failure to revise rents of commercial properties, while **Rs 12.595 million** remained outstanding because properties were not vacated after lease expiration.

Out of **418 government residential quarters**, **125 units** were found occupied by unauthorized persons or defaulters, resulting in unpaid dues of about **Rs 30 million**.

Moreover, three car parking facilities at Circular Road, Baldia Plaza, and Meat Market were transferred to Skyclane Infrastructure through the PPP authority without obtaining **Rs 35 million in performance and bid security**.

The audit also found that **Rs 27.691 million in taxes** were either under-deducted or not deducted at all from contractors. Overpayments of **Rs 3.057 million** were made due to excess quantities in certain works, while **Rs 7.953 million** were spent on recurring works without a proper annual framework agreement.

Solar panels were purchased at **Rs 148.68 per watt**, despite revised market rates of **Rs 53.48 per watt**, leading to an excess payment of **Rs 3.189 million**. In two solar water supply schemes, substandard equipment caused losses of about **Rs 16 million**.

According to audit officials, the total financial impact of irregularities, illegal transfers, overpayments, non-recoveries, and rule violations during the fiscal year **2024–25** amounts to **Rs 3.216 billion**. Auditors have recommended strict action against responsible officials, immediate recovery of funds, and a transparent review of all public-private partnership agreements.