The statement says that while the investigation is continuing, it will be unfair to name any partners who may have been involved. Oxfam will use ‘every means’ to recover any money found to be missing. – File Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Leading British charity Oxfam is carrying out an independent and external audit of funds after financial irregularities were found in the Sindh flood relief programme.

The internal monitoring and auditing system of Oxfam had identified the financial irregularities, a statement issued by the charity said.

Any financial commitments for the flood relief programme would remain suspended until the investigation was completed, Oxfam said, adding it took transparency and accountability extremely seriously.

The statement says that while the investigation is continuing, it will be unfair to name any partners who may have been involved. Oxfam will use ‘every means’ to recover any money found to be missing, it added.

“We are conducting this investigation to allow us to continue to be accountable to communities that we work with, and ensure improved service delivery in future,” it says.

According to the statement, the financial irregularities initially identified, even if confirmed, would represent less than two per cent of Oxfam’s emergency flood aid being spent in Pakistan.

Oxfam, it said, was committed to upholding the strictest and most rigorous financial controls and ensuring its programme was delivered in a transparent and accountable manner.—Reporter