ISLAMABAD
Financial irregularities of over 2 billion 35 crore and 77 lac have come to open in foreign ministry and Pakistan embassies in other countries.
Parliamentary Public committee has expressed resentment over it and has issued orders to foreign ministry to improve their financial system.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of parliament while expressing reservation over process of obtaining loans and payment thereof has sought detailed briefing from ministry of economic affairs.
PAC met under its chairman Junaid Akbar Khan in parliament house Tuesday.
In addition to members of committee, foreign secretary, auditor general of Pakistan and others attended the meeting.
The accounts and grants of foreign ministry and economic affairs division were reviewed. Audit paras of ecnomic affairs division and foreign ministry were reviewed in the meeting.
PAC chairman expressed resentment over non participation by finance secretary.
PAC secretary told that letter has been written to finance secretary but its reply has not been received. Finance secretary has been directed to attend next meeting after talks with IMF delegation. Senior officers of finance ministry declared IMF team reason for non presence of finance secretary.
Chairman Committee Junaid Akbar said this explanation is not acceptable.
Committee asked question from Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) why budget estimates prove wrong in institutions.
AGP said budget is not prepared in better way in the institutions.
Umar Ayoub said detailed briefing be given about statistics of loans. Predictions of ministry of economic affairs have not proved correct about rise and fall of dollar.
Foreign secretary Aamna Baloch told the committee that payment to retired officers of foreign ministry is made in rupees.
Committee also raised questions on non transparency of about outstading dues of Rs 991 millions.
Financial irregularities of Rs over 2.35 billion have come to open in the accounts of foreign ministry for the fiscal year 2023-24.
AGP has raised 11 audit objections regarding foreign ministry. Committee reviewed audit paras in respect of foreign ministry.
Audit authorities said loss of 181 million was caused for hiring building in Kathmandu due to non construction of building. Approval for constructing building was given in 2008. We have plots in Kathmandu but we could not construct building for want of funding. No objection stands if there are lack of funds.
Hinna Rabbani Khar raised objection over making para.
Audit said 14 lac dollars were available with mission at that time. Plot has already been purchased for this plot. It is must for us to inform parliament about it.
The matter of non depositing receipts of 197 million in national kitty by Pakistan embassy in Berlin in the meeting.
Audit said another account was opened along with central account.
FO authorities while accepting mistake said they will not repeat such mistake in future.
Navid Qamar said has FO taken any steps.
FO said Johar Salim was ambassador in Berlin at that time. Johar Salim has now been retired.
Chairman PAC directed to confirm the amount.
The matter of payment of salaries amounting to 49 million in London and Paris without permission also came under consideration.
Ministry of finance authorities said we will consider this matter when it comes to us.
Navid Qamar while moving to finance ministry said did the case not reach you in 4 years.
Chairman Committee directed to resolve the matter within 15 days.
The matter of double payment to officers of foreign ministry came under discussion
Audit said over payment of 5 million was made to officers due to double payment.
FO authorities said it was not in knowledge of these officers that double salary is coming.
Committee member Afan Ullah said this is act of befooling the committee members.
Chairman committee said why did you not return salaries at that time.
Chairman PAC directed to initiate proceedings within a month.
