Audit flags lack of records for Rs75 billion development funds under SAP programme

The Auditor General of Pakistan has raised concerns over the utilisation of Rs75 billion released under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Achievement Programme, saying the absence of project records prevented auditors from verifying how the funds were spent.

According to the audit report, the Cabinet Division released the funds during FY2024-25 to federal ministries, divisions, provincial governments, executing agencies and parliamentarians for development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting balanced regional development in underdeveloped areas.

The report said the Cabinet Division failed to provide project-wise and area-wise records, monthly progress reports and project completion certificates, making it impossible to verify whether the funds were used for their intended purposes.

The audit also found that the absence of a centralised record prevented an assessment of whether the allocations were distributed fairly across provinces and regions in line with the programme's objectives.

According to the report, the audit informed the Cabinet Division of the observations on November 5, 2025, but no response was received before the report was finalised.

The Auditor General recommended that the Cabinet Division establish a centralised monitoring system to maintain project-wise, sector-wise and area-wise records and strengthen oversight of funds released under the SDGs Achievement Programme.