The Auditor General of Pakistan’s 2023-24 report has raised audit objections totaling Rs28.62 billion against the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), while the recovery amount for the same period is estimated at Rs2.65 billion, according to the classified summary of the audit findings. The report also highlighted widespread public dissatisfaction with NDMA’s performance, particularly regarding its awareness campaigns, preparedness measures, and disaster relief efforts.
The Directorate General Audit (Climate Change and Environment) conducted a detailed review of NDMA Islamabad and employed public questionnaires to gauge citizens’ opinions on the authority’s effectiveness. The survey revealed that a significant portion of respondents had only limited awareness about natural disasters (72 percent combined) and a similar level of limited understanding of NDMA as an organization.
When asked if NDMA had adequately prepared communities for potential disasters, 76 percent either disagreed or remained neutral, with only 36 percent agreeing. Similarly, only 24 percent expressed satisfaction with the speed of NDMA’s relief efforts, while 76 percent were neutral or dissatisfied. Overall satisfaction with the authority’s performance was low, with 84 percent of respondents dissatisfied or neutral and only 16 percent satisfied.
The audit further identified unauthorized expenditures from the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) in 2023-24. NDMA spent Rs21.677 billion from the NDMF account on the procurement of relief items, civil works at the National Emergency Operation Center, salaries for project employees, and civil works under the Karachi Transformation Plan, including the reconstruction and revamping of major nullahs in Karachi.
The report stated that these expenditures were made without approval from the federal government, rendering them unauthorized.
The audit also pointed out substantial overpayments, including Rs2.437 billion to the National Logistics Cell (NLC) for escalation costs related to the Orangi Nullah project. A total of Rs3.267 billion was paid for escalation, resulting in the overpayment. The audit recommended the recovery of these amounts from the NLC and deposit into the public exchequer.
Additionally, unauthorized spending on event management services of Rs23.254 million, overpriced contracts to state-owned entities totaling Rs5.674 billion, and the misprocurement of family tents without open competitive bidding led to financial losses of Rs4.829 billion.
Procurement without technical evaluation further added a loss of Rs2.58 billion, violating Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules. The audit recommended inquiry into these violations and accountability for the responsible parties.
Overall, the report underscores the need for stricter oversight, improved financial management, and better public engagement to enhance the NDMA’s effectiveness and restore public confidence.
