The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC-I) has ordered an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities in the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, including its subsidiary bodies, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA).
The meeting, chaired by Iftikhar Ahmad Chhachhar, reviewed several audit observations related to the department. During the session, the committee expressed concern over the non-recovery of dues from signboards and advertisements, alleging that the lapse benefited contractors and advertisers. It directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry and ensure accountability.
According to the audit report, Rs. 62 million in recoverable funds is still outstanding. The committee also voiced dissatisfaction over the delayed recovery of more than Rs. 3.1 million from the Rawalpindi PHA.
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PAC Chairman Iftikhar Ahmad Chhachhar instructed Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal to initiate an inquiry against the relevant LDA officials and ensure the recovery of outstanding amounts. The secretary assured the committee that the inquiry would be completed and a progress report would be submitted within four weeks.
The committee also questioned why the department had failed to recover public funds on its own and urged all government departments to strengthen their financial management systems to prevent future irregularities.
