Public Accounts Committee summons finance secretary over absence
Pakistan
Officials cited engagements with the IMF team as the reason for the secretary’s absence
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the finance secretary to appear before the committee today (Tuesday) or tomorrow.
During a session chaired by Junaid Akbar, the PAC reviewed audit paras related to the Economic Affairs Division and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior Finance Ministry officials cited engagements with the IMF team as the reason for the secretary’s absence. However, Chairman Junaid Akbar rejected this explanation, insisting that the secretary must attend the meeting without delay.
Committee member Omar Ayub criticised the Economic Affairs Division’s approach, stating that the budgeting process needs to be managed more effectively.
The PAC has scheduled further discussions on audit paras related to the Finance Ministry on March 18.
Additionally, the committee questioned the Auditor General of Pakistan about recurring inaccuracies in budget estimates. The Auditor General highlighted inadequate budget preparation by institutions as a major issue.
