Summary The Supreme Court has ordered special audit of funds released for welfare schemes of PWD.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News):-Auditor General of Pakistan told the court that Finance Division pressurized him to release funds during last days of former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.
Three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed hearing of suo-motu notice regarding issuance of welfare funds by former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.
Auditor General Pakistan Tahir Mehmood told the court that the prime minister has discretionary powers regarding issuance as well as delivery of development funds. That is why the former government got funds released by threatening AGPR.
The AG further told that he had to release funds on the call of Secretary Finance.
So far as the deficiencies and shortcomings of the system were concerned, he fulfilled his responsibilities by raising the issue sincerely, said auditor general.
“We briefed former prime minister that issuance of funds before holding of elections would be deemed as pre-polls rigging. Moreover, the authorities did not issue the report regarding issuance of funds.
At this Chief Justice said that there is criteria for issuance of funds but here the problem is that authorities diametrically violated rules and regulations while releasing funds.
Only the man who has weakness gives political benefits, said chief justice.
While addressing Auditor General, the Chief Justice said that the government released funds ahead of general elections, and that is absolutely illegal and unconstitutional. If authorities threatened, you should refuse to follow their orders, contended Chief Justice.
Chief Justice also remarked that our politicians are notorious for using such Machiavellian tactics; they have nothing to do with public welfare, rather, their mission is to collect money in the name of so-called uplift projects.
The court ordered the Auditor General to submit details of funds released during 2012-13.
The court also issued notices to PM’s secretary and then Secretary Finance, seeking explanation from them in this regards.
