ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly on Tuesday constituted a three-member sub-committee to probe into the alleged irregular purchase of imported vehicles worth Rs151.407 million for the Pakistan Motorway Police (PMP).

According to a press release, the PAC meeting presided over by Malik Allah Yar Khan was held to discuss audit paras of the ministry of communications and its subordinate departments for the year 2000-2001.

The committee was informed that the motorway police had purchased imported motorcycles, Prado jeeps and other vehicles worth Rs151.407 million in contravention of rules laid down by the government, and without apparent justifications.

The PAC observed that the terrain of the motorway did not require vehicles of that type, instead the police could have preferably chosen locally-assembled vehicles or if it was an operational requirement, the customs-confiscated vehicles were the best choice.

The sub-committee headed by Maj (retired) Tanvir Hussain Syed, MNA, would submit its report to the PAC within two months. Discussing the non-realization of fine receipts of Rs13.425 million from the National Highway Authority (NHA) from 1997 to 2001, the PAC directed the secretary communications to ask the NHA to credit the amount in the motorway police accounts.

On another audit objection raised by the Audit Department pertaining to the motorway police's contract with Daewoo Pakistan for supply of petroleum for its vehicles without the advice of the ministries of law and finance, the PAC directed the motorway police to cancel the agreement and enter into a fresh contract in consultation with the ministries.

While discussing the accounts of the Pakistan Post Offices, (PPO), the PAC observed that the situation in the organization provided a conducive environment for corruption.

The observation was made on an audit para regarding non- reconciliation of accounts due to which the accounts of Baitul Maal and Postal Life Insurance were showing minus balance of Rs14.659 million. The PAC directed the secretary communications to constitute a committee to suggest ways and means to overcome the problem.