The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convened on Tuesday to address concerns regarding the repayment of foreign loans and interest, seeking a detailed briefing from the Finance Ministry on the matter. Chairman Junaid Akbar expressed frustration over the absence of the finance secretary and directed him to attend the next meeting following negotiations with the IMF delegation.
During the meeting, PAC members criticized the Ministry of Economic Affairs for its inaccurate predictions regarding fluctuations in the dollar’s value. The committee discussed audit observations related to the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Committee member and Opposition leader Omar Ayub highlighted a rescheduled loan of Rs. 58 billion, emphasizing the necessity of its repayment. In light of the seriousness of the issues raised, Junaid Akbar instructed that representatives from both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Development be summoned to the next meeting.
The PAC also addressed the contentious issue of a proposed honorarium of Rs. 52 million for officers of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, while expressing strong discontent over audit objections related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The committee examined an audit finding regarding a loss of Rs. 181 million due to the failure to construct an embassy building in Kathmandu. Audit officials explained that approval for the project was granted in 2008, but it remained incomplete due to a lack of funding.
Additionally, the meeting discussed the Pakistani embassy in Berlin’s failure to submit receipts totaling Rs. 97 million to the government treasury. Foreign Office officials acknowledged the oversight and assured the committee that it would not recur. The committee also uncovered illegal salary payments amounting to Rs. 49 million in London and Paris, prompting Chairman Akbar to direct the Ministry of Finance to resolve the issue within 15 days.
The PAC expressed strong displeasure over double payments made to officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Audit officials reported that over Rs. 5 million had been transferred in unnecessary payments, with one officer receiving double pay despite being posted abroad for 33 months and another for 27 months. Foreign ministry officials claimed ignorance of the double payments, which prompted a stern reaction from committee members, who insisted that the officers should have been aware of their salaries. The PAC chairman instructed that action on this matter be completed within a month.
The committee also addressed Rs. 11 million that had been deposited in a bank account in Nairobi but not transferred to Pakistan. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs explained that banking issues in Kenya prevented the funds from reaching Pakistan. The committee directed verification and adjustment of the amount.
Finally, committee member Riaz Fatyana inquired whether pensions for officers who settle abroad after retirement are disbursed in Pakistani or foreign currency. The foreign secretary confirmed that pensions are provided in Pakistani rupees.
