Balochistan PAC Identifies Rs20 Billion Recovery, Deposits Rs6 Billion into National Exchequer

Quetta: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly has identified recoveries worth Rs20 billion and successfully deposited over Rs6 billion into the national exchequer after settling 252 audit paras for the fiscal year 2021–22 and audit year 2022–23.

Speaking during the assembly session and later at a press conference, PAC Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen said that the audit reports had pointed out financial irregularities amounting to Rs49 billion. He added that continuous committee meetings led to recoveries of Rs20 billion, with more than Rs6 billion already deposited.

According to details, major recoveries were made from various departments, including over Rs6.11 billion from the Board of Revenue, Rs215 million from the Communication and Works Department, over Rs134 million from the Irrigation Department, and additional amounts from departments such as GDA, PHA, Agriculture, S&GAD, and Health.

Tareen termed it the highest recovery in the province’s recent history, noting that previous recoveries were significantly lower, including Rs500 million in 2016–17, Rs1 billion in 2017–18, and Rs1.24 billion in 2018–19.

He further revealed that, on PAC recommendations, 20 cases are currently under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), while six cases are being probed by anti-corruption authorities.

The chairman credited Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the provincial chief secretary for their support, which ensured full cooperation from government departments.

Tareen also highlighted structural reforms, including granting the PAC suo motu powers and identifying irregularities in deputy commissioners’ accounts, where multiple bank accounts were being maintained for years. Officials have now been directed to limit accounts to three as per legal requirements.

He pointed out that delays in development projects, non-utilization of assets, and tax inefficiencies have contributed to financial irregularities. Citing an example, he said the cost of a dam project increased from Rs6 billion to Rs20 billion due to delays.

The PAC chairman also noted that Balochistan’s PAC is the only fully digitized and paperless committee in the country, a model appreciated by members of other provincial assemblies.

Opposition Leader Mir Younis Aziz Zehri praised the committee’s performance, calling it a matter of pride and commending the chairman and members for achieving record recoveries.

He also announced that legal experts from all political parties would meet on April 18 to discuss the Mines and Minerals Bill and present joint recommendations to the government.