ISLAMABAD: The newly appointed Auditor General of Pakistan, Rana Assad Amin, admitted on Friday that there was a backlog of audit reports for the past three years, mostly of the PML-N government, and vowed to clear it as early as possible.

He was briefing Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on a plan to revamp of the audit office during the latter’s visit to the Auditor General’s office.

“The AGP office is maintaining active liaison with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the cabinet for clearing the backlog as early as possible,” he said.

The PAC has almost finalised audit paras for the year 2012-13 – the last year of the PPP-led coalition government.

Mr Amin said that an audit reforms committee had been set up to improve procedures and audit paras would now be based on policy and issues. “We want to make auditing a truly professional affair.”

He said the AGP office was trying to establish a supreme audit institution of Saarc countries where Pakistan would have a leading role. Officers will gain experience of audit at the international level and the country will earn precious foreign exchange.

The new audit plan envisages active liaison with international organisations and donors, training of officers abroad and introduction of modern auditing techniques. Emphasis will also be laid on procurement of quality equipment and infrastructure development.

Mr Amin said the AGP office had offered bid for audit in the World Food Programme and was also eyeing the International Organisation for Migration and Interpol for similar opportunities.

Mr Dar said that in any country effective working of an audit department could help remove irregularities and ensure good governance and accountability in financial matters. He said an active role by the AGP office could help end corruption and lessen the burden on institutions like the FIA and NAB.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2015

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