LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee-I (PAC-I) on Tuesday expressed serious concern over delays in the recovery of outstanding dues and financial irregularities in the higher education sector, directing the authorities concerned to strengthen financial governance and ensure transparent management systems.
The committee, chaired by Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar, reviewed audit observations for the Higher Education Department, its attached departments and autonomous institutions for the fiscal year 2022–23.
During the meeting, the committee conducted a detailed examination of audit objections relating to Government College University Faisalabad and the University of Sargodha.
Among the key audit observations discussed were the payment of late sitting allowance, dean/chairman allowance and mobile allowance without the approval of the Chancellor.
The committee also examined cases involving non-recovery of outstanding dues from officers and students, as well as financial losses caused by the failure to auction university canteens and commercial shops.
The committee further reviewed audit objections regarding pending recoveries from the Layyah Sub-Campus, procurement of steel without GST invoices, delayed deposit of principal amounts and profits, non-recovery of electricity charges from contractors, and failure to collect rent for guest house rooms.
The PAC-I held detailed deliberations with officials of the Higher Education Department and the administrations of the universities concerned on each audit observation.
It voiced strong concern over delays in recovering outstanding amounts and directed the authorities to establish a clear and transparent financial management system to eliminate ambiguities and improve accountability.
The committee issued strict instructions for the early recovery of pending dues and granted a 30-day deadline in several recovery cases.
Audit paragraphs recommended by the Audit Department for settlement were disposed of accordingly.
The meeting was attended by committee members Javed Alauddin Sajid, Rao Kashif Rahim Khan, Rais Nabeel Ahmad, Mian Yawar Zaman, Wilayat Shah, Rana Munawar Hussain and Rukhsana Kausar, MPAs. Secretary Higher Education, vice chancellors of the relevant universities, and representatives of the audit and finance departments also participated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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