Balochistan PAC reviews special audit report of Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, only 12.43% physical progress achieved
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, reviewed various audit paras of the special audit report (2019–22) on the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme (Forestry & Wildlife Components).
The committee expressed concern that the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting had not been held prior to the completion of the audit report, prompting PAC to order a special audit. Members noted that despite repeated instructions, the special audit report had not yet been submitted to PAC.
Audit Para highlighted slow progress in project activities due to frequent transfers of officers in Project Implementation Units (PIUs) and delays in filling key posts in the Project Management Unit (PMU). The audit revealed that over three years, physical progress stood at only 12.43 percent, while financial progress was 10 percent. PAC sought explanations from officials regarding the delays.
The committee also reviewed audit observations on nursery infrastructure, noting a financial loss of Rs. 55.420 million due to failure in establishing 70 nursery sites as planned. PAC directed audit authorities to present detailed data on nurseries established, completed, and handed over to relevant departments.
Another audit para discussed the non-establishment of GIS/FMIS systems, which were intended to ensure real-time monitoring and data collection. PAC expressed dissatisfaction over delays and gave the department 15 days to resolve pending matters, warning that responsibility would be fixed and disciplinary action taken against officials if progress remained unsatisfactory.
The committee further examined expenditures of Rs. 1,236.719 million on plantation activities without effective involvement of District Coordination Committees. PAC directed that records be verified through deputy commissioners to ensure transparency in plantation sites, expenditures, and outcomes.
Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen criticized repeated delays and emphasized that PAC would no longer tolerate unnecessary extensions. He instructed all departments to provide complete records, responses, and reports within the stipulated time to ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Member Ubaidullah Gorgij warned that if PAC’s directives were ignored, the case could be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for further action.
Committee members Ubaidullah Gorgij, Safia Fazal, Fazal Qadir Mandokhail, and Muhammad Khan Lehri attended the session, along with senior officials including Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, Forest Secretary Imran Gichki, DG Audit Shuja Ali, Special Secretary Siraj Lehri, and Additional Law Secretary Saeed Iqbal.