The Establishment Division has been exposed to irregular practices involving financial matters, violation of policies and poor administration, according to a forensic audit report.
Former prime minister Imran Khan had ordered the Auditor General of Pakistan over the forensic audit of the establishment division in March, media has reported. The report has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the audit report, the establishment division minted money through fictitious stationery purchase, causing a loss of Rs48 million to the national exchequer while violating the General Financial Rules of making purchases in the most economical manner.
The audit report has stated that the establishment division had floated tenders in 2016-17 and 2017-18 for purchase of stationery and other store items and during the three years, Rs48 million were spent.
It also said that the procurement had been made without taking approval from the purchase committee. According to details of the report, media has claimed that Rs20.3 million were spent in 2017, Rs21.5 million in 2018 and Rs6 million in 2019.
The audit has said that there was a serious violation of General Financial Rules.
According to media reports, the then Establishment Secretary, Ejaz Munir, had filed a complaint but he was posted out. Chief Finance Officer Muhammad Afzal was also transferred from the establishment division for confirming irregularities and urging inquiry.
The audit report has also suggested several measures that could be taken to avoid irregularities.
Auditors have pointed out that several officers working at the establishment division on deputation have overstayed well over the extended five-year limit. According to the report, these officers include those from provincial education departments, ex-cadre and non-cadre officials. The normal period of deputation for all categories of government servants is three years, extendable by two years, with the prior approval of the competent authority.
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