QUETTA: The Public Accounts Committee of the Balochistan Assembly has reviewed audit paras of the Irrigation Department for the financial years 2020–22.
The meeting, chaired by Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen, raised serious concerns over poor planning, delayed projects, and financial mismanagement.
The audit revealed payments of Rs 680 million made at unapproved rates. Some projects existed only on paper. The chairman called it a clear waste of public funds.
Garuk Dam in Kharan started with a cost of Rs 10 billion. Even after spending Rs 28 billion, it remains incomplete. The chairman termed it a violation of ECNEC decisions and ordered a special audit and site inspection.
Delays in Basol Dam and ‘100 Dams’ Project
The committee noted an extra cost of Rs 10.1 billion, yet the projects remain unfinished. Overpayments beyond the contract were reported at Basol Dam. The chairman ordered the regularization of payments.
Officials paid inflated rates for “jungle clearing” without records. The committee ordered the immediate recovery of funds.
Water from Hub Canal is sold without metering. It’s bought for Rs 7 but sold to industries at Rs 300. The committee fixed the rate at Rs 100 and ordered the recovery of pending dues.
Chairman Tareen proposed ending the Project Director (PD) system. He urged line departments to handle projects directly.
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The committee also expressed anger at officers who failed to act on past PAC decisions.
