KARACHI: The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has found major financial irregularities of over Rs423 million in the Sindh Auqaf Department for 2023-24, exposing long‑running issues of poor fiscal management.
The audit report said around Rs75.9 million was illegally kept in various bank accounts instead of being deposited in the government treasury, violating Sindh Financial Rules. Of Rs287.3 million collected from contracts, rent and religious offerings (Nazrana), more than a quarter remained parked in three bank branches in Sehwan, Hyderabad and Bhitshah.Auditors also pointed out Rs347.5 million in doubtful spending on maintenance, repairs, and development projects.
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They found several violations, including payments made without pre‑audit checks, repairs carried out without approved cost estimates, and works completed without proper completion certificates or entries in measurement books. The department also lacked a qualified Divisional Accountant.
The report added that, despite promises made in December 2024 to deposit receipts by the fifth of each month, no real improvement was seen. In later meetings, officials offered verbal assurances but failed to provide any proof of compliance.
AGP figures showed Rs322.6 million was spent on Public Sector Development Program works and Rs24.9 million on maintenance. Similar issues were reported in previous years, with irregularities exceeding Rs1.69 billion, showing a persistent pattern of weak oversight.
The report urged thorough inquiries, strict preventive measures, and formal warnings to officials responsible for mishandling public funds.
