PAC Uncovers Irregularities in Forestry and Wildlife Department Audit

Quetta: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently reviewed audit reports and estimated accounts related to the Forestry and Wildlife Department, uncovering serious financial irregularities.

Budget Surrender and Fund Cancellations

During the review, it was revealed that the department surrendered 12.03% of its non-development budget due to unfilled vacancies. PAC member Zabad Ali Reki criticized the department for failing to provide employment opportunities, calling it a sign of inefficiency. PAC Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen emphasized that surrendering or wasting allocated funds constitutes negligence and assured that the PAC would assist in resolving administrative challenges. However, he warned that strict action would be taken against officials responsible for mismanagement.

Missing Records of the 10 Billion Tree Project

A key issue was the absence of records for funds allocated to the 10 Billion Tree Plantation Project in the 2019-20 fiscal year. As per General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Auditor General’s Ordinance, all financial records must be provided for audit purposes. Despite multiple reminders, the required documents were not submitted.

The committee expressed serious concerns over the missing records. The chairman stated that if the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) had retired, action would still be taken. The current DFO was also held accountable for assuming charge without complete records. The PAC directed the department to present photographic evidence of the plantations, but the submitted proof was deemed unsatisfactory. The committee warned that failure to provide records could lead to legal action, including FIRs against responsible officials.

Delayed Project—Rs. 2,752.247 Million Unutilized

The committee also raised concerns over the sluggish progress of the Billion Tree Project. Despite an initial allocation of Rs. 2,968.889 million in 2019-20, only Rs. 216.642 million (7.30%) has been utilized, leaving Rs. 2,752.247 million unspent. The department attributed the delay to late fund releases and staff shortages. The chairman directed the department to submit a detailed report on fund disbursement and expenditures immediately. The audit review was deferred, with the PAC demanding a comprehensive progress report within a week.

Lack of Monitoring and Progress Review

Despite Rs. 165.688 million being spent, the committee found a lack of effective monitoring and project evaluation. The PAC stressed the need for proper oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. The chairman called for a physical verification of afforestation efforts in Quetta, highlighting that international organizations closely monitor Pakistan’s environmental commitments. The Auditor General’s office was instructed to verify the project within two weeks in coordination with PAC members.

Irregular Procurement Practices

Contracts Awarded Without Tendering

The committee identified that Rs. 9.985 million was spent without following the procurement rules of the Balochistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (BPPRA). The chairman strongly criticized the practice of breaking down large amounts into smaller ones to bypass tendering requirements, calling it a violation of procurement regulations.

The PAC emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to financial regulations to ensure public funds are properly utilized. Further investigations and legal actions may follow against officials found responsible for financial mismanagement in the Forestry and Wildlife Department.