THE Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India haspublished landmark reports about the Indian government’s lethargy, incompetence and even corruption. Last year, it criticised the Indian administration’s flood-preparedness while this year it has said that the flood disaster in Kerala was preventable.

The CAG states in the report that in spite of the warnings, the Hirakud dam and Odisha dam authorities maintained the water level above the safe limit, choosing not to release water until it was too late.

Many disasters — earthquakes, floods, and droughts — have occurred over the years in Pakistan, but no auditor general of Pakistan has presented a pre-disaster or post disaster report.

The present government has billed Nawaz Sharif Rs20.5million for the alleged misuse of air travel by his scions from Raiwind to Islamabad. I am wondering if a helicopter ride costs only Rs55 per kilometre for Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, why has it cost millions to ferry the former prime minister’s coterie.

One would appreciate it if the AGP clarifies the fuel expense per mile including related payroll and overheads under the Freedom of Information Act.

By this action, the AGP can nip in the bud many controversies and even disasters.

Abdul Hameed
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2018