QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed strong displeasure with the Levies Force for its failure to provide financial records and comply with audit procedures, demanding full transparency for funds received since 2022.
During a meeting chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, the committee discovered several major financial irregularities. A significant violation involved the Levies Force opening a bank account at National Bank, Shahrah-e-Iqbal, Quetta, without required Treasury approval. The account held Rs 13.969 million that was never deposited into the government treasury. The PAC ordered the immediate closure of the account and the transfer of all funds, with proof provided to the committee.
Further scrutiny revealed that zonal Levies offices in Quetta, Turbat, Chagai, Loralai, Kalat, and the Levies Training Center in Khuzdar failed to submit expenditure records for a total of Rs 240.80 million to auditors. Additionally, the committee flagged purchases of vehicles and rations worth Rs 105.099 million between 2019 and 2021, which were made without mandatory open tenders. These were termed financial irregularities, and the department was directed to regularize the expenses immediately.
The committee also raised concerns over recruitment practices. Despite the Levies’ merger into the police, recruitment is reportedly only ongoing in Chaman and Dera Bugti, leaving budgeted posts vacant in other districts. The PAC sought an immediate clarification and decided to involve the Chief Secretary to resolve the issue.
The committee’s strict stance signals a forceful push for accountability and proper financial management within the provincial force, emphasizing that timely audit replies and transparency are non-negotiable.
Meanwhile Dr. M.B. Raja Dharejo, a senior officer and distinguished public health professional, has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) in Balochistan. His appointment, which took effect on Monday, was immediately followed by a comprehensive meeting with the organization’s senior leadership, including directors, managers, and officers, at the PPHI Balochistan Head Office.
