Recent revelations from the Auditor General of Pakistan have exposed significant financial irregularities within Pakistan Baitul Maal, totaling billions of rupees. The audit report uncovers objections amounting to over Rs2 billion, casting a spotlight on severe mismanagement and misuse of funds within the organization.
Pakistan Baitul Maal, which was established to provide financial aid to the poor, bankrupt, destitute, widows, and orphans, has been found to have misallocated funds intended for these vulnerable groups. Instead of assisting those in need, millions of rupees were inappropriately distributed among government employees.
The audit specifically reports that Rs28.1 million, which was meant for the poor, was wrongly given to government employees, contradicting Baitul Maal’s core mission and raising concerns about accountability.
Moreover, the report highlights the transfer of Rs1.37 billion in government funds to a commercial bank account, raising questions about the transparency and legality of these transactions.
Additional findings include Baitul Maal Lahore’s failure to return Rs520 million of unused funds to the treasury and the spending of Rs162.3 million beyond the allocated funds. These discrepancies point to serious issues in financial management.
The Auditor General’s report emphasizes the need for an immediate and thorough investigation into these financial irregularities to ensure that the funds designated for Pakistan’s most vulnerable are utilized properly and effectively.
