PAC Uncovers Irregularities at University of Balochistan, Orders Recovery of Over Rs 90 Million from Scholars Who Failed to Return from Abroad

QUETTA – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, in a meeting chaired by Committee Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen, conducted a detailed review of various audit objections concerning the financial and administrative matters of the University of Balochistan. Members Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, Obaidullah Gorgij, and Safia Fazal also participated in the proceedings.

The committee examined audit objections regarding additional payments totaling Rs 47.601 million (4 crore 76 lakh 1 thousand rupees) made under various allowances during the fiscal year 2019-21. According to the audit, Rs 42.763 million was paid under utility allowance, Rs 2.678 million under attendance allowance, and Rs 2.160 million under computer allowance. Audit officials stated that these excess payments resulted from weak financial and internal monitoring, causing financial loss to the university. The committee was informed that the matter was brought before the university administration on September 27, 2022, but no response was received within the stipulated time.

The PAC directed that the justification for utility allowance payments must be supported by Senate approval and HEC endorsement, while eligibility criteria under relevant rules must be presented for computer allowance. The committee also ordered the cessation of attendance allowance and recovery of excess amounts paid from relevant officers and employees.

The meeting also addressed audit objections concerning individuals who did not return after receiving foreign scholarships. The committee directed the University of Balochistan, in coordination with the Chief Secretary Balochistan, to contact the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), NADRA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take effective measures for the return of such scholars. The PAC ordered legal action for the recovery of Rs 91.565 million (9 crore 15 lakh 65 thousand rupees) in expenses from these scholars or their guarantors. The committee also noted that in some cases, the guarantors were close blood relatives of the scholars and directed that in future, no beneficiary’s close blood relative should be appointed as a guarantor.

The PAC further directed the university to establish a transparent, merit-based, and accountable system for awarding scholarships to faculty members for higher education abroad, ensuring effective and transparent utilization of public funds. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan informed the committee that efforts had been made to contact relevant agencies for the return of such scholars and that some cases were pending before courts.

Concern was also expressed over the failure to provide required records for over a year. The committee made it clear that persistent delays in timely record submission are unacceptable, and relevant departments must ensure the provision of all required documents while determining responsibility.

The Public Accounts Committee emphasized the need for transparency, effective internal monitoring, compliance with rules and regulations, and timely implementation of audit directives in the financial and administrative affairs of the University of Balochistan, directing relevant officials to take necessary actions accordingly.