PAC raises concerns over Rs101.4 million secret expenditure by information ministry

ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised questions regarding secret expenditures amounting to Rs101.4 million by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, according to an audit report.

The audit report highlighted that a payment exceeding Rs50 million was made to a private advertising company during the tenure of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government.

The PAC has sought clarification from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the justification for these secret payments. The committee has also asked for a detailed explanation of the procedures followed in making the payment to the private firm and whether the required approvals were obtained.

The audit report questioned the transparency of the process and called for greater accountability in the handling of public funds. The PAC emphasized the need for all government expenditures, especially those involving large sums and private entities, to be subject to proper scrutiny and oversight.

Further proceedings on the matter are expected as the PAC continues its review of the audit findings and awaits a response from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.