Government Officers Misused Benazir Income Support Programme
A sub-committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed that hundreds of government officials had embezzled funds meant for the poor under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). These included serving bureaucrats, pensioners, and even their spouses.
High-Ranking Bureaucrats Named in Audit
The BISP secretary disclosed that 85 officers of Grade 20, 630 officers of Grade 19, and even Grade 22 officials were among those who illegally received payments. Most belonged to provincial cadres, while government servants are not eligible under the programme’s rules.
Outrage Over Lack of Recovery Mechanism
Committee members expressed anger over the absence of a recovery mechanism. The secretary admitted the department had no system in place to retrieve the funds. Members demanded immediate action against officers above Grade 16.
FIA Action and Arrests
Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that 879 FIRs were registered, 292 arrests were made, and challans were submitted in courts. The committee directed that criminal charges be framed and guilty officers dismissed from service.
Payments to Deceased Beneficiaries
Audit officials also revealed that Rs15.06 million was disbursed to beneficiaries who had died, some before 2008. However, the BISP secretary claimed that 94% of the 841 such cases were later verified as alive. The committee ordered further verification.
Bank Penalties and Bait-ul-Mal Irregularities
Another audit finding showed BISP failed to recover Rs607 million in penalties from banks that ignored agreements on dormant accounts. Separately, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal was accused of making irregular excess house rent allowance payments worth Rs156 million between 2019 and 2022. The matter has been deferred for further investigation.
Also on TTI:
British Brent crude gained $1.60 per barrel in the past 13 days, moving from $65.85 to $67.47. Similarly, American crude oil increased by $1.64 per barrel, rising from $61.98 to $63.62. This consistent surge in international markets is expected to influence petroleum product prices in Pakistan in the coming days.
Current Petrol and Diesel Prices in Pakistan
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government last adjusted fuel rates on August 16, citing rising import costs and currency pressures. At that time, the price of super petrol jumped to Rs264.61 per litre, while high-speed diesel reached Rs272.99 per litre. The upward revision highlighted Pakistan’s continued vulnerability to global oil shifts and domestic financial instability.
Upcoming OGRA Review
OGRA will submit its next price review summary to the government on August 31. Officials confirm that any change in global crude values will directly shape Pakistan’s local fuel rates. With prices already burdening households and businesses, consumers brace for another possible increase.
