PAC reviews audit reports of CDA, Passports and staff posting in foreign missions

The meeting of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was held in Islamabad under the chair of Shahida Ali Akhtar to review audit reports of various departments. 

Audit officials told meeting that CDA lacks an opening balance sheet dating back to 1960. It was revealed that the Federal Development Authority (CDA) has not maintained financial statements since its inception. 

The Public Accounts Committee had previously directed the CDA to finalize its opening balance sheet in 2014. 

"We are currently preparing the financial statements for the past five years," stated the CDA Chairman. "Why were the financial statements not prepared?" asked Munaza Hassan. 

"It is regrettable that the Deputy CFO is unfamiliar with the organization itself," remarked Munaza Hassan. "The Deputy CFO states that the audit firm KPMG is working on certain tasks, yet he remains uninformed—which is a tragedy," added Munaza Hassan. 

Director Generals Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed the committee members regarding posting of the department’s officer abroad. 

The Audit officials said that officers posted abroad from the Passport and Immigration department for up to three years were not recalled while according to law, officers should have been recalled after three years and others members should be sent in his place. 

Hina Rabbani Khar said that posting staff to foreign missions for a period exceeding three years is against the rules. 

DG Passport said officers and staff could not be recalled after three years due to a policy change. Public Accounts Committee remarked that officers and staff posted at foreign missions on extended tenures must be recalled until a policy is formulated. 

Public Accounts Committee member said audit objections will be raised regarding the expenses associated with tenure extensions beyond three years.

"Personnel were posted abroad for three years," stated the DG Passport. "If they went for three years, were they recalled after three years?" the committee inquired. "We wrote to the Ministry to recall the personnel after three years," said the DG Passport. "The Ministry asked us to formulate a new policy," added the DG Passport.

The Ministry did not ask for my recall; instead, my contract was extended, said DG Passport. “I will ensure strict compliance with the Public Accounts Committee's directives.” DG Passport assured the PAC. 

“I will submit a detailed report every 21 days regarding the Public Accounts Committee's directives,” said Muhammad Ali Randhawa, DG Passport. 

Reporter: Usman Khan