Quetta: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, reviewed the special audit report of the Balochistan Pavilion and Investment Conference held at Dubai Expo 2020. The committee decided to summon the officials responsible for organizing the event to explain financial and administrative irregularities highlighted in the audit.
Committee members Rahmat Saleh Baloch, Zabid Ali Reki, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, Ghulam Dastagir Badini, and Haji Mir Muhammad Khan Lehri attended the meeting, along with Director General Audit Balochistan Shuja Ali, Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Khalid Sarpara, Special Secretary Assembly Siraj Lehri, and LIEDA Managing Director Liaqat Kashani.
The audit, conducted in 2021-22 on the orders of the then Chief Minister, examined compliance with financial rules, procurement procedures, internal controls, and transparency in the use of government funds. The government had allocated Rs. 200 million for the pavilion, while actual expenditures amounted to Rs. 157.2 million.
The report revealed that a contract worth Rs. 139.7 million was awarded without competitive bidding, in violation of Balochistan Public Procurement Rules 2014. Neither board approval was obtained nor written justification recorded for using a negotiated tendering process, despite the federal government having informed Balochistan of its participation months earlier.
Audit officials noted that the issue was flagged to the concerned department in April 2022, but no response was received and no Departmental Accounts Committee meeting was held. The audit recommended a full investigation to determine responsibility.
Chairman Asghar Tareen directed that the then Secretary, LIEDA MD, and other relevant officers be summoned to present their stance and clarify the irregularities. He stressed that last-minute programs often lead to financial and administrative lapses, making accountability essential.
Members agreed that former officials must appear before the committee to ensure a thorough review. The PAC noted that several officers named in the audit were absent from the meeting and decided they must attend the next session, regardless of current postings.
The committee gave the officials 15 days to present their records and explanations. It warned that if they fail to appear, the case will be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Anti-Corruption Department for further action.