A federal government audit has revealed that the Senate of Pakistan violated Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules by procuring food, beverages, and related items worth Rs. 28.259 million without pre-qualifying vendors between 2020 and 2024.
According to audit documents seen by ProPakistani, the Senate Secretariat sourced food and catering services from various private firms, including Café Meet & Eat, Heaven Food & Caterers, Jillani Caters, and Naveed Caterers & Event Management, without conducting the mandatory vendor qualification process. Items also included electric appliances.
The purchases were made to cater to urgent needs arising from visits by parliamentarians, foreign delegations, ambassadors, and civil society representatives. The Senate management claimed that due to the emergent nature of these events, services were often arranged on short notice, and items were acquired on credit.
The Auditor General has rejected this justification, stating that the absence of pre-qualification and competitive pricing undermined the transparency and fairness of the procurement process. The audit termed the procurement “irregular and non-competitive,” violating the Public Procurement Rules, 2004.
| Vendor | Total (PKR) |
| ID-1931 | Rs. 20,370,674 |
| ID-1934 | Rs. 7,014,129 |
| ID-1936 | Rs. 874,733 |
| Grand Total | Rs. 28,259,536 |
ProPakistani learned that all food items were acquired on credit and without screening and relevant competitive pricing.
The audit further directed the Senate Secretariat to regularize the irregularity and ensure adherence to PPRA rules in future purchases.
The Development and Audit Committee (DAC), in a meeting on February 11, 2025, instructed the Secretariat to present rate justifications and supporting vouchers for verification.