By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE– The Public Accounts Committee (PAC-I) of the Punjab Assembly has decided to refer cases involving financial irregularities exceeding Rs1 billion to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation, directing the anti-corruption watchdog to submit its findings within three months.
The decision was taken during a meeting of PAC-I chaired by Chairman Iftikhar Hussain Chhichhar, where members reviewed 50 audit paragraphs related to the higher education and school education sectors.
During the session, four major audit cases involving alleged financial irregularities amounting to more than Rs1 billion were formally referred to NAB after committee members expressed concerns over potential losses to the national exchequer and delays in corrective actions.
The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Higher Education Department and raised strong reservations over what members described as delays in implementing instructions previously issued by the Special Departmental Accounts Committee.
Among the cases reviewed was an issue concerning project implementation beyond prescribed limits, where committee members were informed that a work guarantee worth approximately Rs400 million had reportedly been issued before the completion of the relevant project.
The committee also examined matters relating to the alleged non-deduction of income tax on instalment payments, raising concerns over possible procedural violations and financial mismanagement.
Another case reviewed involved alleged irregularities in project approvals under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with committee members questioning whether due procedures and financial safeguards had been followed.
Members of the committee stressed the importance of identifying individuals responsible for any financial misconduct and called for transparent investigations to ensure accountability.
Officials were told that NAB would be required to complete investigations into the referred cases and present a comprehensive report to the committee within the next three months.
The committee reiterated its commitment to strengthening financial oversight and improving accountability mechanisms across public sector institutions, particularly within departments responsible for education and development spending.
The proceedings concluded with members emphasising that effective accountability and timely investigations remain essential to preventing misuse of public funds and protecting taxpayer resources.
