QUETTA – The Balochistan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, revealed billions of rupees in financial irregularities during its Balochistan PAC financial audit, pinpointing lapses in budgetary handling and revenue collection across various government departments.
Chaired by Zafar Tareen, the committee identified over PKR 20 billion in mismanaged funds, including unsurrendered savings and uncollected taxes, stemming from audits covering 2016 to 2022. This probe, conducted in Quetta, underscores ongoing efforts to enforce financial discipline amid Pakistan’s economic pressures, with directives issued for immediate corrective actions.
In a region like Balochistan, where development is hindered by fiscal constraints, the Balochistan PAC financial audit plays a crucial role in ensuring public funds are utilised transparently. These revelations of Balochistan PAC financial irregularities 2025 highlight systemic issues that could undermine trust in provincial administration and affect broader South Asian economic stability, particularly in resource-scarce areas.
Key Findings from the Balochistan PAC Financial Audit
The Balochistan PAC financial audit delved into several audit reports, uncovering a range of Balochistan PAC financial irregularities 2025 that point to non-compliance with financial rules. Among the most notable issues was PKR 740.6 million in unsurrendered savings from non-development funds for the fiscal year 2016-17. These funds, meant to be returned to the provincial treasury, remained unaccounted for, depriving the government of essential resources.
Further scrutiny revealed PKR 19.14 billion held improperly in bank accounts by deputy commissioners between 2020 and 2022. Instead of depositing these amounts into the treasury as required, officials retained the funds, constituting a direct violation of fiscal protocols. The committee described this as a “gross violation” in its review.
Access to records also posed challenges, with auditors denied entry to expenditure documents worth PKR 33.74 million from 2019 to 2021. This obstruction, the PAC noted, hampers thorough oversight and perpetuates potential Balochistan PAC financial irregularities 2025.
Revenue collection shortfalls added to the tally, with over PKR 1.1 billion in uncollected Usher, irrigation tax, and agricultural income tax during the same period. Additionally, PKR 228.96 million in cheques were issued incorrectly from commissioners’ offices to drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs) rather than directly to vendors, breaching procurement guidelines.
PAC Chairman Zafar Tareen expressed serious concern over these findings during the meeting, stating that the committee had identified “serious lapses in financial discipline.” He demanded the immediate surrender of all budget savings and warned of disciplinary measures against officials obstructing transparency.
Directives and Implications of Balochistan PAC Financial Irregularities 2025
In response to the Balochistan PAC financial audit outcomes, the committee issued firm directives to address the Balochistan PAC financial irregularities 2025. Officials were ordered to submit all pending records to audit authorities without delay and to deposit withheld funds into the treasury forthwith. The PAC criticised several deputy commissioners for ignoring directives dating back to 2020, emphasising that “financial discipline cannot be ensured without strict adherence to rules.”
These steps aim to recover the mismanaged billions and prevent future lapses. The probe’s focus on departments handling budgetary allocations and revenue underscores the need for robust internal controls in Balochistan’s administration.
Background
The Public Accounts Committee in Balochistan, as part of the provincial assembly, routinely examines audit reports from the Auditor General of Pakistan to scrutinise government expenditures. This particular Balochistan PAC financial audit builds on prior investigations, such as those into dormant accounts and unused funds, revealing persistent challenges in fiscal management. Established under parliamentary norms, the PAC’s role is vital in promoting accountability, especially in a province grappling with underdevelopment and security issues.
What’s Next for Balochistan PAC Financial Audit
Moving forward, the Balochistan PAC financial audit will likely involve follow-up sessions to monitor compliance with the issued directives. Recovery of the identified funds and potential disciplinary actions against errant officials could reshape financial governance in Balochistan, fostering greater transparency in the coming months.
The ongoing Balochistan PAC financial audit efforts signal a commitment to rectifying Balochistan PAC financial irregularities 2025, potentially setting a precedent for improved fiscal oversight in the province.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 16th, 2025
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