Payments Processed Outside Approved Districts
An audit has identified financial irregularities worth more than Rs19 billion in the Benazir Income Support Programme.
The findings were presented during a meeting of a National Assembly Public Accounts Committee subcommittee.
The meeting was chaired by subcommittee convener Moeen Aamir Pirzada.
Lawmakers reviewed audit objections related to BISP payments made between 2010 and 2023.
Audit officials said more than Rs19 billion was distributed outside beneficiaries’ registered provinces or districts.
Under BISP rules, beneficiaries are generally required to receive payments within their designated areas.
The audit found that one BISP franchise in Multan processed payments for beneficiaries from 39 different districts.
Officials said the unusual payment activity raised serious concerns about monitoring and verification procedures.
Payments Linked to Deceased Individuals
The audit also identified 21 cases involving people who had already been reported dead.
Payments were allegedly processed against their records despite their death status.
The findings raised questions about weaknesses in BISP’s beneficiary database and payment controls.
Auditors said stronger verification systems were needed to prevent payments through incorrect or inactive records.
The committee sought details about the officials responsible for supervising the disputed transactions.
BISP Given 15 Days to Submit Records
Moeen Aamir Pirzada said the audit objection was referred to the Federal Investigation Agency eight months earlier.
However, no relevant official had provided the requested documents.
The convener directed authorities to submit the names and details of responsible officers.
The Public Accounts Committee gave BISP 15 days to provide all related records.
The documents will be reviewed to determine responsibility and decide whether further legal action is required.
The committee also sought progress from the FIA regarding its investigation into the alleged irregularities.
