ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday took a strong exception to audit findings exposing financial irregularities, administrative negligence and prolonged delays in projects under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
While expressing serious concern over prolonged delays in a school construction project in Islamabad, it ordered an inquiry and directed strict action against those responsible.
The Public Accounts Committee held its meeting under the chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar, in which audit paras related to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training for the financial year 2024-25 were examined, and immediate action was directed in cases of financial irregularities and project delays.
An audit official told the committee that a delay in a development project for the establishment of a school had resulted in a loss of over Rs220 million to the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). The official further stated that although the project was initiated years ago, only a boundary wall had been constructed so far. Audit officials also noted that due to delays, the overall cost of the project had significantly increased, adding financial pressure on the public exchequer.
Naveed Qamar questioned the prolonged delay. Syed Amin-ul-Haq noted that the project was initiated in 2009 and questioned its status in 2026. The secretary Education clarified that the land in question belonged to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Naveed Qamar further questioned, “Then why did it take 12 years?” while Senator Bilal Mandokhail also expressed concern over the extended delay.
Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the situation “sheer incompetence and inefficiency,” criticising the handling of the project. He also questioned the legal and administrative basis of payments made for land despite the presence of a plot owned by CDA. According to the Auditor General’s officials, the cost of land at the time of approval was Rs16 million, and initial payments of around Rs6 million were made, after which the ministry failed to follow through. The officials attempted to attribute the delay to institutional changes following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, claiming the ministry’s restructuring contributed to the lapse.
The committee members unanimously called for action against those responsible for negligence and mismanagement, stressing that accountability must be ensured.
While examining another audit para, the committee examined an audit objection regarding alleged illegal payments exceeding Rs18.1 million to the chairperson of Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA). Audit officials informed the PAC that while the chairperson was entitled to Rs3.66 million, an amount of Rs21.846 million was disbursed. The audit briefing further disclosed that the individual had drawn salaries both from PEIRA and the Government of Pakistan simultaneously, constituting a case of dual remuneration.
Terming the issue a “serious violation”, Naveed Qamar directed immediate recovery of the excess amount. Member PAC Syed Hussain Tariq observed that drawing two salaries at the same time was illegal.
Taking a stern view of both cases, the committee directed that a comprehensive inquiry be conducted within one month, with clear identification of those responsible, and emphasised that strict disciplinary and legal action must follow to prevent recurrence of such irregularities.
