Senate body told: ‘PBM responsible for Rs335m irregularities; no recovery plan yet’
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Sub-Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety was informed that Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal (PBM) is responsible for financial irregularities amounting to Rs335 million, and the recovery plan, required under the Public Money Act, 2001, has not yet been submitted.
The Sub-Committee met on Thursday under the convenership of Senator Rubina Qaimkhani, along with Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, to review administrative and policy matters within PBM.
The Chair expressed serious concern over non-compliance with directives issued on October 10, 2025 and reiterated on April 16, 2026, noting that compliance reports have not yet been submitted.
The Chair observed that the Managing Director (MD), being a Senator, understands ground realities and remarked that the Committee formulates policy while the department implements it.
The Secretary briefed the Committee, stating that PBM has approximately 5,000 employees recruited over different periods. A government directive on right-sizing has been received, pursuant to which 60 percent of positions have been declared dormant or abolished after Board approval. He stated that, as a result, promotions were delayed; however, now that right-sizing has been completed, promotions will take place soon. He added that some time will still be required in this matter. He further observed that the General Cadre has a larger number of personnel and, therefore, should have a broader career path. He noted that the administration, IT, and medical streams require segregation, but relevant rules are not being implemented where necessary.
Senator Dost Ali Jeesar highlighted that excess employees create financial strain and raised concerns regarding the administrative structure and rule implementation.
The Committee scrutinized 191 illegal promotion cases, reaffirming that they stand declared void ab initio. The cases of Kashif Nadeem and Bilal Anwar were also declared void ab initio, with recovery of illegal benefits. Regarding Zafar Khan Safdar, the Committee directed the annulment of his illegal reinstatement, recovery of salaries, and references to FIA and NAB.
The Committee noted that 41 officers have been denied promotion for 12 to 22 years despite 52 vacant posts, in violation of a Supreme Court judgment, and directed the issuance of promotion notifications with full arrears. All new hiring is halted until a transparent promotion process is finalised.
On procurement, the MD reported that an inquiry into sewing machines worth PKR 60 million has been completed, with explanation notices issued to 40 individuals, and that final action will be taken within 15 days. PBM remains liable for financial irregularities totalling PKR 335 million; a recovery plan under the Public Money Act, 2001, has not yet been submitted.
Regarding the fake degree of Rizwan Ahmed, confirmed by HEC, the Committee directed the nullification of his appointment, filing of an FIA reference, and the constitution of a fresh inquiry committee. The MD informed that action will be carried out soon, as he has recently received the inquiry report for conclusion.
The Committee also discussed an e-filing system to prevent missing files and requested a briefing on Women Empowerment Centres.
The Chair concluded that the directives of 10th October 2025 and 16th April 2026 remain in effect. Failure to implement them shall result in direct references to NAB, FIA, the Auditor General, the Prime Minister, and the Chairman of the Senate. No further extension shall be granted.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety; the MD, PBM; and other senior officials.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026