The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Sindh Assembly has directed the suspension of the Accountant of the Endowments and Zakat Department following revelations of financial irregularities amounting to Rs 2.85 million for the fiscal year 2016-2017.
The PAC noted that the department had failed to provide audit records and ordered an investigation into illegal appointments and unauthorized salary disbursements totaling Rs 16.093 million. During the PAC meeting, which was chaired by NisarKhuhro and attended by committee members QasimSoomro, SaadiaJaved, and Rehan Rajput, a comprehensive review was conducted of audit paras from fiscal years 2016 to 2018. The meeting was also attended by the department’s Secretary, MureedRahmo, and other relevant officials. Audit Para 3.4.1: Irregularities worth PKR 2.85 million related to the supply of items from unregistered suppliers for events at LalQalandarShahbaz and Shah Abdul LatifBhittai’s shrines.
The department failed to provide audit records, leading to the suspension of the accountant. Audit Para 3.4.2: Unauthorized creation of four posts by the former Chief Administrator of Endowments without approval, resulting in a loss of Rs 5.524 million in salaries and allowances. Additionally, adjustment of lower-grade office assistants into higher-grade positions caused further financial discrepancies totaling Rs 10.569 million. Audit Para 3.4.7: Loss of Rs 2.332 million in taxes and stamp duties due to improper leasing of over 18,000 acres of land across various districts.
The PAC has demanded a detailed report on the land allocations and rates by August 13. Audit Para 3.4.8: Uncollected revenue of Rs 77.721 million from contractors for maintenance and cleaning services at various shrines. The PAC has instructed the department to investigate and report the status of recoveries by 2024. PAC Chairman NisarKhuhro emphasized that the committee is focused on monitoring government expenditures and addressing any financial mismanagement. He noted that there are nearly 200 pending audit paras from previous years, prompting a decision to hold PAC meetings three times a week. All departments are required to provide records for the last five years.
The PAC will ensure that every department’s secretary and relevant officials attend these meetings to address any irregularities thoroughly. Khuhro stressed that public funds must be utilized effectively, and the PAC will take necessary actions against any financial mismanagement discovered.
