QUETTA, Feb 2: World Bank mission on Saturday here was briefed on achievements of the Ad hoc Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

PAC chairman and Balochistan Planning and Development Minister Malik Naeem Ahmad Khan informed the mission that the committee had so far sent 15 cases to the NAB, RAB and the Inspection Team governor for the recovery of Rs146.545 million.

He also apprised the mission of problems faced by the provincial government in setting up of financial discipline, and presented various proposals for their resolutions.

The minister said the accounts body had been formed in November 2000 on the directive of Balochistan Governor Justice Amirul Mulk Mengal (Rtd) which included experts from various walks of life. It had held 29 meetings from Nov 27, 2000 to Nov 02, 2002, he added.

The mission was also informed about the need for the formation of an expert’s panel to assist the present committee, and trained officials and experts for committee to be formed by the future government.

PAC chief presented various suggestions to improve its working which included appointment of a full-time chairman and inclusion of members expert in finance, audit and accounts. He also proposed seven-days meeting per month of the PAC and powers to the committee to take action against corrupt government officials.

PAC members S R Ponegar, Ghulam Mohammad Taj, Basharatullah Advocate and others apprised the mission of their proposals for checking irregularities in government departments.—APP