Panel finds Rs19m gap in FPSC accounts | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Sub-Committee on Tuesday was informed of financial discrepancies within the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), as it emerged that federal receipts amounting to Rs18.965 million remain unreconciled.

The sub-committee, chaired by MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, directed that a Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting be held again to resolve the issue.

According to audit officials, the irregularities were first flagged in the 2005-06 audit report, which pointed to inconsistencies in exam fee collections during 2004-05.

The audit authorities stated that while the FPSC had collected examination fees from candidates, the receipts had not been reconciled with the national treasury.

“The FPSC deposited the examination fees but did not obtain verification from the Treasury Department,” the audit team reported, adding that Rs18.9 million in receipts could not be reconciled with the Federal Treasury Office, a clear violation of government rules.

A briefing revealed that although discussions had been held between the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and the FPSC, and despite prolonged consultations involving the Finance Division, Establishment Division and NBP, the issue remained unresolved.

FPSC representatives explained that reconciling receipts from thousands of bank branches was practically impossible and that records of fee deposits from 20 years ago were no longer available. They added that “the problems faced at that time have since been addressed”.

The sub-committee instructed the concerned departments to convene another DAC meeting to settle the matter and submit a progress report.

During the session, audit paras related to the Ministry of Law were also reviewed, including objections over illegal appointments and the release of Rs100 million to lawyers in 2007–08.

The Law Secretary clarified that the amount was released to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for its benevolent fund, stating that all legal and administrative requirements had been met. “There was nothing illegal about the payment; it was duly processed through proper channels,” he said.

However, a finance ministry representative informed the committee that the case had only been referred to them the previous day, promising to examine it in detail.

Chairman Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expressed concern over the weak representation of the Finance Division in PAC proceedings, announcing that a letter would be written to the Finance Secretary to ensure that competent officers attend future meetings.

The committee directed the ministry of law to submit a written response on the audit para, after which the matter was settled.