Audit Report reveals major fiscal irregularities in Gwadar’s PHE  Dept. from 2018 to 2021

Independent Report

QUETTA: The financial irregularities exceeding Rs. 1 billion have been uncovered in Balochistan’s Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in Gwadar during the period from 2018 to 2021.

The Auditor General of Pakistan has released a three-year audit report revealing these discrepancies.  On this, the Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced strict action in response to the audit findings.

According to an audit report presented during a recent session of Balochistan Assembly, over Rs. 591.8 million in outstanding balances during the years 2018 to 2021 in PHE Department are unaccounted for, with no available records to justify the expenditures.

The report states that the department incurred irregular expenses exceeding Rs. 492.3 million over the three-year period, including fuel and oil costs for vehicles, without issuing tenders. Additionally, Rs. 23 million in tax deductions were not made as required.

During the drought period, suspicious expenditures totaling more than Rs. 38.4 million were also recorded. The audit report has recommended a thorough investigation against the responsible officers.

The report has been handed over to the Public Accounts Committee for further action. The Chief Minister has announced strict measures in response to the findings of the audit.