The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised serious concerns over financial mismanagement and unlawful recruitment within the Pakistan Post Office during a review of audit objections related to the Ministry of Communications.
During the session, chaired by Junaid Akbar Khan, the PAC established a new subcommittee to address the issues further, appointing Muneeb Amir Pirzada as its convener, with Nadeem Abbas, Khawaja Shiraz, and Saleem Mandviwalla as members.
According to a news report, the committee examined the unauthorised use of over Rs4 billion in funds by the Pakistan Post. It was revealed that utility bill payments collected from citizens were misused for other purposes.
PAC members questioned the justification for such actions, with the chair labeling it “robbery.” Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood demanded accountability and asked about any disciplinary measures taken.
In response, the communications secretary confirmed that internal disciplinary actions had been initiated, but emphasized the need for reconciliation with the NBP. The PAC has summoned NBP officials to the next session for further clarification on this matter.
Audit officials informed the committee that the Pakistan Post Office had opened multiple accounts at the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) without proper authorisation. While the Finance Division had approved the opening of three accounts, the department had opened two additional accounts without approval. Despite audit objections, no departmental action had been taken, the officials said.
Communications Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud acknowledged the operational difficulties faced by the Pakistan Post Office but expressed frustration over the lack of coordination between the Finance Division and the department. The PAC chair questioned the disconnect, asking why the Finance Division claimed it had not received the request, while the secretary insisted it had been sent.
The committee has now sought an official response from the Ministry of Finance.
Additionally, the PAC discussed allegations of illegal hiring within the Pakistan Post. Audit officials revealed that 4,252 job positions were advertised, though only 3,938 were officially sanctioned.
The committee was further shocked to learn that many of the documents submitted by the hired individuals were fake. The chair expressed outrage, calling the hiring process a “scam,” while Senator Afnanullah Khan called for legal action against those involved, including both those who accepted bribes and those who offered them.
The matter has been referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation.
