PAC reviews police audit objections, orders recoveries and financial reforms

By Asim Shehzad

LAHORE, Feb 17: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) met under the chairmanship of Syed Ali Haider Gilani, MPA, to review audit reports related to the Police Department under Scheduled PAC-II (2021-22) for February 17 and 18, 2026.

The meeting was attended by committee members Qaiser Iqbal, MPA; Ahmed Shahryar, MPA; Sher Ali Khan, MPA; Neelam Jabbar Chaudhry, MPA; Sumbal Malik Hussain, MPA; and Malik Ahmed Saeed Khan, MPA. Officials from the Audit and Finance departments were also present.

The committee examined key audit objections, including irregular payment procedures, misclassification of accounts, irregular purchases, tax matters, and issues relating to salaries and allowances. Cases recommended for disposal during Pre-PAC proceedings were approved, while cases with confirmed recoveries were finalised. The chairman directed authorities to immediately issue recovery notices in pending cases.

The committee also discussed non-provision of expenditure records related to welfare funds and directed the department to present the matter before the cabinet for approval.

Among other issues, alleged misappropriation of investigation expenses worth Rs13.01 million was regularised subject to verification, while stationery expenses of Rs2.39 million were ordered for investigation. Non-installation of separate utility connections involving Rs1.57 million was settled subject to verification and recovery.

The committee also reviewed non-auction of inoperative vehicles worth Rs1.7 million, outstanding police guard charges of Rs92.82 million which were reconciled, arms-related losses of Rs6.13 million which were deferred, and irregular rent payments of Rs218.59 million. Of the rent amount, Rs4.98 million was regularised after recovery of overpayment.

Following detailed deliberations, the committee issued directives to ensure transparency, accountability and financial discipline in the police department. The chairman ordered immediate auction of unusable vehicles, early recovery of outstanding dues and strict scrutiny of regularised cases.

PAC-II further stressed that all police stations across Punjab should be constructed and managed by the government to avoid future irregular rent payments. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public funds and strengthening financial monitoring mechanisms across departments.

Tags:
PAC, Punjab Police, Audit Reports, Financial Accountability, Government Oversight, Punjab Assembly, Public Funds, Anti-Corruption, Pakistan Governance