ISLAMABAD: The Senate Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has directed the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) to conduct a special audit of the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) over multiple alleged irregularities, embezzlements, and violations of rules and laws.
The Sub-Committee recommended that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) intervene directly in the case of non-cooperation by the PBM management during the audit process and register an FIR against the responsible officials if complete records are not provided within 30 days.
The Sub-Committee met here on Thursday with Senator Rubina Qaim Khani in the chair. The panel reviewed the PBM’s compliance with binding directives issued on October 10, 2025, April 16, 2026, April 30, 2026, and May 13, 2026.
It further said that any disciplinary consequences would arise strictly from lawful accountability mechanisms rather than personal bias. The Committee also observed that the alleged irregularities had resulted in losses exceeding Rs1.015 billion to the national exchequer, ultimately affecting the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Committee was informed that despite the passage of over seven months and five meetings, PBM management had failed to submit any compliance report. It was further noted that no action had been taken regarding the reversal of illegal promotions, recovery of unlawful financial benefits, or implementation of Supreme Court judgments. The internal inquiry into procurement irregularities initiated in June 2025 also remains incomplete.
During the meeting, PBM management stated: “Who submits a report on affidavit? Therefore, it is not possible for the management to state on affidavit that no irregularities or corruption occurred, nor that nepotism, favouritism, or systemic corruption took place, and that all matters were conducted in accordance with principles and laws.”
The Committee and the department subsequently agreed to conduct a special audit. For this purpose, the Convener issued formal reference letters to the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) and the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The AGP has been asked to conduct a special audit of PBM covering multiple alleged irregularities, including 315 excess promotions beyond lawful quota resulting in a loss of Rs190 million; illegal promotions of 191 officers between 2018 and 2023; unauthorised advance payments of Rs60 million; procurement violations amounting to Rs145 million; unauthorised back benefits of Rs190 million; illegal upgradations based on alleged misinterpretation of Finance Division OMs; appointment on a counterfeit MBA degree verified by HEC; tampering with official records and concealment of approximately 70 stop-gap engagements by HR officials; and misuse of authority leading to financial impropriety.
The Sub-Committee reiterated that its objective is not to target individuals but to eliminate institutional irregularities, restore the rule of law, and ensure PBM’s governance aligns with the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), the Rules of Business (1973), the Estacode, and judgments of the Supreme Court.
The meeting was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar and Jan Muhammad, along with senior PBM officials, including the Secretary, Managing Director, Director Finance, Director Audit, Director R&D, Deputy Director Establishment, and other officers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026