A delay in the audit process of the state institutions has disturbed the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Auditor General Of Islamic Republic Of Pakistan (AGP) Ajmal Gondal asked at a meeting of the Public’s Account Committee (PAC) on Wed.
The development comes as discussions began this week between the IMF and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the biannual review of the Seven Billion Dollars extended funds facility to address governance and corruption exposure.
While addressing today’s meeting, AGP Ajmal Gondal disclosed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had communicated its concerns over nearly 600,000 pending audit paras.
“The International Monetary Fund has inquired about early settlement of audit cases of institutions,” Ajmal Gondal said, adding that there were about 500,000 to 600,000 pending audit paras pertaining to ministries and institutions.
He said no chief internal accountant has been appointed, in spite of parliament’s orders. “The audit system is dull because rules are not followed.”
“Secretaries and financial officers are not clearing their audits. Only 15 institutions have financial officers, and none have internal accountants,” he added. He Stressed there are no internal audits in departments.
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The (PAC) has over 30,000 pending audit cases, the AGP said.
Last August, the AGP elevated concerns about the country’s dull financial state, with only 04% of a Rupee 38.67 trillion budget for social services. Also, 93% of Rs 08 trillion in unapproved grants was left unspent, wasting public resources.
The PAC asks for details from the ministries and the institutions within one month.
