Public Accounts Committee AJK slams Highways Dept over audit lapses

Islamabad (Rizwan Abbasi) An important meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was held at Kashmir House under the chairmanship of Chairman Abdul Majid Khan, in which an audit of the highway projects of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts of Mirpur division was reviewed.

The meeting was attended by committee members Col. (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Azhar Sadiq and other relevant officers of the Highways Department.

The committee expressed its strong displeasure over the appearance of the officers of the Highways Department without the required records and preparation during the meeting. The officers of the three districts failed to give satisfactory answers to several questions, on which the chairman of the committee sent the executive of Mirpur division back from the ongoing meeting and directed him to appear again with full preparation.

During the briefing to the committee, it was revealed that expenses and overpayments were made in some road projects without approval. Even the complete record of an important road project pending for four years could not be presented, which expressed serious concern.

A detailed report was sought on the audit objections related to Tatta Pani Road, while the officers could not provide accurate information regarding the year of commencement of the Phase 10 road project. According to the explanation of the committee member, the Phase 10 project has been closed and no practical work is currently underway on it.

The audit objection was also maintained in the meeting on the non-return of tar transferred from one district to another. The committee expressed its displeasure over this case, which has been pending for three years, and issued instructions for immediate recovery. Secretary Shahrat assured that the return of tar will be ensured before the next meeting.

Committee member Col. (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor proposed to adjourn the meeting due to the lack of preparation of the authorities, which was approved by the chairman of the committee, who adjourned the meeting till 10 am today and directed all the officers to appear with full preparation.