The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has identified financial irregularities exceeding Rs. 1,100 billion across federal ministries and divisions for FY2023–24 in widespread rule violations, unauthorized payments, and weak internal controls.
The most serious lapse was the import of 3.59 million tons of wheat despite adequate local stocks, causing a loss of over Rs. 300 billion and distressing domestic farmers.
Several ministries spent funds without budget approval. Karachi Port Trust employees received unauthorized allowances, and irregular procurements were found in the civil armed forces. Illegal salaries were paid to the private education regulator, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was flagged for irregular contracts and misuse of funds.
The report also highlighted the illegal occupation of lands belonging to the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Jammu and Kashmir State Properties, and Karachi Port Trust. Failure to deduct due taxes on various payments led to revenue losses.
The audit cited five cases of misappropriation and fictitious payments worth Rs. 1.69 billion, 107 recovery cases totalling Rs. 689.48 billion, and 39 instances of internal control failures involving Rs. 160.39 billion.
Dozens of lower-value issues were listed in a separate report (MFDAC) and not submitted to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The AGP recommended that no spending occur without parliamentary approval, supplementary grants follow proper procedures, and embezzlement cases be referred to investigative agencies. Internal audits should be strengthened, asset registers maintained, and all records made available to auditors.