QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed serious concern over irregular expenditures of more than Rs12.11 billion by the Balochistan Communications and Works (C&W) Department during the 2023-24 financial year.
The issue was discussed during a meeting chaired by MPA Asghar Ali Tareen on Saturday at the newly established committee room of the Balochistan Assembly.
Reviewing the audit report for 2023-24, committee members sought explanations from officials over the scale of irregular spending within a year. The lawmakers also reviewed the department’s 2022-23 financial performance. Of the more than Rs44.42bn allocated, about Rs3.24bn were not utilised and lapsed.
The members questioned the failure to use the funds, observing that unspent amounts should have been surrendered in time to be redirected toward other essential development projects.
Communications and works dept’s audit report reviewed
The PAC raised concerns over appointing project directors for development schemes when relevant government departments already exist to execute such projects.
Members observed that these arrangements place an unnecessary financial burden on the public exchequer, seeking comprehensive details on official vehicles, salaries and administrative costs.
Furthermore, the committee ordered special audits of projects in Nasirabad, Nushki, Zhob and other districts, including the
Kachhi Plain Water Supply Scheme and the Balochistan Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Project.
Examining excess payments to contractors, the PAC identified Rs90.34 million in overpayments to various building divisions during 2021-22 due to calculation errors and unapproved rates. The committee directed a 100pc recovery of the amount.
Another irregularity of Rs40.41m was identified due to payments for construction work exceeding the quantities approved in PC-Is, estimates and contractual agreements.
The PAC directed officials to ensure full recovery within 10 days, stressing that projects must strictly adhere to approved rates while ensuring transparency. Remaining audit objections were deferred to the next meeting on Nov 30.
Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2026
