Recently, a surprising decision made by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has sparked public debate. The organization purchased 78 luxury vehicles worth a whopping Rs. 740 million, even though the federal government has a strict austerity policy that prohibits such expenditures. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing financial challenges and the government’s push for more cost-effective spending.
The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources held a meeting where members expressed deep concern over this costly purchase. The committee, led by Chairman Senator Shahadat Awan, questioned WAPDA’s decision to buy these high-end cars, given the austerity measures in place. The members were particularly upset because they felt this was an unnecessary expense when the government is urging all departments to tighten their belts.
Apart from this luxury purchase, the committee also focused on other pressing issues. One of the key points raised was the delay in investigations into various financial irregularities within WAPDA. Some of these irregularities have been ongoing for several decades without any resolution, further undermining public trust. The committee revealed that 187 audit paras related to WAPDA were still unresolved, and there were instances where official records were missing, making it even harder to address the issues.
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The situation took an even more serious turn when it was revealed that there is a Rs. 29 billion discrepancy that has yet to be investigated by the Ministry of Water Resources. This discrepancy is one of many that have raised questions about how WAPDA manages its finances and whether the public’s money is being spent wisely.
During the meeting, the committee was informed about ongoing inquiries into financial matters. Of the 56 inquiries recommended by the Public Accounts Committee, 43 have been completed, 10 are still being worked on, and three are under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Meanwhile, the Departmental Accounts Committee has initiated 381 inquiries, with 308 completed and 67 still pending.
The committee has now instructed the Ministry of Water Resources to expedite the investigation of all pending inquiries. They have set a six-month deadline for these to be addressed, and they have called for details about cases that are currently in court. The committee has also asked for a report on which individuals within WAPDA are responsible for the financial mismanagement and legal violations.
This issue with WAPDA’s spending and lack of transparency is a serious concern for many, especially as it comes at a time when the country is facing economic challenges. The public is hoping that these investigations will lead to greater accountability and that WAPDA will reassess its approach to spending in order to align with the government’s fiscal policies. It’s essential for all public organizations to be more responsible with taxpayer money, and WAPDA’s actions will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized in the months to come.
With this situation now in the spotlight, the committee’s actions will play a crucial role in determining how WAPDA handles its finances moving forward. The public is eager to see how quickly these inquiries are resolved and whether any changes will be made to prevent similar issues in the future. For now, all eyes are on WAPDA and the Ministry of Water Resources as they work to restore confidence in the organization’s financial practices.
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