Auditor General Flags Missing Record of Rs75 Billion Spent Under Sustainable Development Goals Programme

ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan has reported that it could not verify the expenditure of Rs75 billion released to federal ministries, divisions, provincial governments, and other entities during the 2024–25 fiscal year under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achievement Programme.

According to the Auditor General’s report, development projects worth Rs75 billion were approved under the programme, with funds disbursed by the Cabinet Division to federal ministries, divisions, members of parliament, provincial governments, and their subordinate institutions.

The programme was launched to promote development in underprivileged and less-developed areas, improve social infrastructure, strengthen human resource development, and ensure balanced regional growth across the country.

The audit report revealed that the Cabinet Division failed to obtain monthly progress reports from the relevant implementing agencies and did not provide project completion certificates.

Audit officials also stated that the Cabinet Division was unable to explain which projects received the Rs75 billion, where the funds were spent, how much was utilized, or whether the money was used exclusively for the approved projects and distributed fairly.

In its recommendations, the Auditor General directed the Cabinet Division to establish a comprehensive monitoring system for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) funds, ensuring project-wise, sector-wise, and region-wise oversight.

The report further recommended maintaining proper records of fund allocations and expenditures and introducing an effective mechanism to monitor, verify, and certify the progress and completion of development projects.