Pakistan’s latest audit report has revealed massive financial irregularities across several federal departments and autonomous bodies. The report, issued by the Auditor General of Pakistan, highlights weak controls, poor accountability, and billions of rupees in questionable spending.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) recorded the highest number of audit observations with 31 cases. Other major departments under scrutiny include TDAP, the Ministry of Food Security, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Health Ministry.
One of the biggest concerns involves the Cabinet Division, where auditors questioned the use of Rs75 billion allocated for development projects. Officials failed to provide proper progress reports and records, raising concerns over transparency.
The Economic Affairs Division also faced serious objections after auditors found Rs1.92 trillion in foreign loan liabilities that remain unrecovered from state-owned entities. This was one of the largest financial issues highlighted in the report.
In the education sector, Quaid-e-Azam University was criticized for failing to recover illegally occupied land and for not depositing Rs177 million in tax deductions. Auditors also raised questions over investments made without proper policies.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) received objections worth Rs324 million, including budget misuse and unreported recoveries. Meanwhile, Pemra was questioned over Rs87 million in outstanding dues.
The report also exposed irregularities in the Ministry of National Health, where vaccines and medicines worth billions were purchased at higher prices. The Ministry of Science and Technology faced one of the largest losses, with Rs59 billion linked to delayed payment charges and unauthorized accounts.
These findings paint a serious picture of financial mismanagement, delayed recoveries, and poor governance. The audit raises important questions about accountability and the proper use of public funds in Pakistan.
