ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a six pillar reform package of the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP).
In this regard, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz, said that the Cabinet has approved legal amendments in the auditor general’s Functions, Power, and Terms and Conditions of Service Act, 2020, to allow more autonomy and transparency. “The amendments would bring innovation in the audit system and also reduce financial corruption of the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenue (AGPR),” he added.
Sources said that the Cabinet had directed Advisor to the Prime Minister for Institutional Reforms and Austerity, Dr lshrat Hussain, to submit proposals for strengthening and reorganising the office of the AGP, considering its pivotal role in accountability, transparency and overall governance in the country.
Subsequently, Dr lshrat held a series of meetings with the senior management of the AGP and the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) for submission of the draft proposals before the Cabinet.Â
In a report sent to the finance minister, the advisor mentioned six points of the reform package, including strengthening the AGP office by ensuring its autonomy and independence, strengthening competence and professionalism of officers and staff, shifting from audit para intensive audit approach to sectoral and thematic specialisation among the audit staff in critical emerging areas such as information systems audit, debt audit and forensic audit, introducing the Audit Management Information System (AMIS) for improved financial disclosures and transparency, developing a new performance management system linking increments and awards with performance outcomes, and effective audit follow up.
Sources also said that the Functions, Powers and Terms and Conditions of Service Act, 2020, will repeal the existing Ordinance of 2001 in order to remove ambiguities and hindrances for ensuring transparency of accountability through independent audits and effective functioning.
