The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly's Public Accounts Committee took significant steps toward improving financial accountability during its Thursday session, conducting a comprehensive examination of audit objections concerning the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
Detailed Review of Financial Records
The committee meeting, held at the Rehman Baba Conference Room within the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, focused specifically on financial transactions from the 2018-19 fiscal year. Under the leadership of PAC Chairman and MPA Idrees Khattak, the session brought together key assembly members and government officials to address financial discrepancies.
Prominent committee members in attendance included Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, Anwar Khan, Abdul Salam Afridi, and Ikram Ghazi, who worked alongside senior officials from multiple departments. The meeting saw participation from the DIG Frontier Police, Finance Department representatives, Law Department officials, Director General Audit, and relevant assembly staff, creating a multidisciplinary approach to financial oversight.
Resolution of Audit Objections
During the intensive review process, each audit objection received individual attention and careful examination. Department officials presented comprehensive clarifications, supporting evidence, recovery details, and documented reports on actions taken in response to the audit findings.
The committee achieved immediate progress on several fronts, with minor objections being resolved on the spot during the meeting. Several more significant concerns were decided upon after thorough discussion, while some complex matters required additional review and were deferred for future consideration.
Directives for Enhanced Financial Management
In a move toward modernizing financial controls, the committee issued clear instructions to the Home and Tribal Affairs Department to fully computerize all receipts and expenditures. This digital transformation aims to significantly enhance transparency and strengthen internal financial controls within the department.
Additional directives included the requirement to attach Departmental Standing Committee proceedings alongside working papers for improved record-keeping and audit trail maintenance. This measure ensures that all financial decisions and their justifications are properly documented and easily accessible for future reviews.
The Secretary of the Provincial Assembly emphasized the critical role of PAC meetings in improving financial discipline and promoting transparency across government departments. These regular reviews help departments enhance their overall financial performance and maintain public trust in government operations.
