The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has sharply criticized the Ministry of Federal Education and the Capital Development Authority over delays in the construction of the FG Model School in Margalla Town, which audit authorities said caused a financial loss of Rs. 225.9 million to the national exchequer.
The issue came under discussion during a PAC meeting chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar while reviewing audit objections related to the Ministry of Federal Education and Vocational Training for fiscal year 2024 to 25.
Audit officials informed the committee that although Rs. 16.4 million had been approved for the school project, repeated delays in the release of funds stalled the work, preventing timely completion.
According to officials, the project dates back to 2008, but inconsistent funding over the years caused repeated setbacks. During the meeting, Naveed Qamar questioned the long delay in land acquisition and asked whether the school would be built at all. He also sought clarification on whether the land had originally been allocated by CDA.
In response, the education secretary confirmed that the land was indeed a CDA-owned plot. Committee members then raised concerns over why the government was making payment for land already under CDA control.
PAC member Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the payment a sign of negligence and incompetence. Audit authorities further informed the committee that the land had been valued at Rs. 16 million, but only half the amount was paid, adding to complications surrounding the project.
The PAC directed that an inquiry be completed within one month and action be taken against those found responsible for the delay and financial mismanagement.