PAC flags Rs19bn BISP payment irregularities

A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over financial irregularities in the

A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over financial irregularities in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) after audit officials revealed that more than Rs19 billion was paid outside the beneficiaries’ respective provinces or districts.

The meeting was chaired by subcommittee convener Moeen Aamir Pirzada. Members reviewed a series of audit objections related to BISP covering the financial years from 2010-11 to 2022-23.

During the briefing, audit officials informed the committee that payments worth over Rs19 billion had been made in locations different from the beneficiaries’ registered districts or provinces. The audit team said the transactions required further scrutiny to determine whether they resulted from administrative weaknesses, verification gaps or possible misuse of the programme.

Committee members expressed concern over the findings and stressed the need for stronger monitoring and accountability in the country’s largest social welfare programme. They said public funds intended for deserving families must be distributed through a transparent and well-monitored system.

The subcommittee examined the audit observations in detail and sought explanations from the relevant BISP officials regarding the irregular payments. Officials were asked to clarify how such payments were processed and whether adequate checks were in place to prevent similar cases.

The committee also discussed measures to improve the verification process, strengthen oversight and ensure that future payments are made only to eligible beneficiaries through proper channels. Members emphasized that any financial irregularities should be investigated thoroughly and those responsible should be held accountable.