A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting presided over by Junaid Akbar Khan showed concern about financial irregularities in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and ordered a detailed report within a month, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
During the meeting, audit officials revealed that NDMA made an excess payment of Rs124 million to the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) despite a General Sales Tax (GST) exemption. The audit report highlighted that this resulted in a direct financial loss to the government. PAC member Omar Ayub called it a “serious issue” and urged immediate corrective measures.
The committee also reviewed the awarding of a Rs1.8 billion contract to the National Logistics Cell (NLC) for constructing the National Emergency Operations Centre. Lawmakers questioned the transparency of the bidding process, pointing out that only NLC, FWO and Railcop were listed with NLC being the sole bidder.
Syed Naveed Qamar challenged the selection process, asking, “Does NLC have unique capabilities that no other institution in the world possesses?” He also questioned why only military-affiliated institutions were considered. NDMA officials defended the contract, insisting that due process was followed.
However, Omar Ayub noted that nuclear shelters worldwide are typically built by private firms, casting doubts over the justification for a direct contract. The PAC chairman has directed NDMA to submit a comprehensive report within a month.
PAC questions NDMA's use of flood relief funds
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised serious concerns over the diversion of Rs. 552 million from the Asian Development Fund (ADF) for flood relief items sent to Turkey and Syria, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The ADF allocated these funds for a specific purpose- how could they be sent elsewhere?" asked Shazia Marri.
NDMA officials defended the decision, stating that the Pakistani government had directed them to send tents to the affected nations.
The PAC has ordered a resolution of the issue within a month.
The committee also criticized NDMA for failing to conduct a third-party audit of Rs. 304 million in flood relief funds, despite clear instructions from the Prime Minister.
According to the audit officials, The Prime Minister directed a third-party audit, but NDMA did not conduct it.
Senator Mohsin Aziz remarked, "This is why the world does not trust us."
PAC members, including Omar Ayub and Hussain Tariq, stressed the need for financial transparency.
The PAC has directed NDMA to submit a report within a month.