PAC Orders Recovery of Irregular HRA to Ex-CDNS DG

In a rigorous review of audit reports from the Finance Division for fiscal years 2010-11 and 2013-14, a Sub-Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali, voiced vehement disapproval over the irregular house rent allowance (HRA) disbursed to a former director general of the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), mandating the immediate recovery of the funds, as per The News reports.

Audit officials detailed that the ex-DG received HRA payments from November 2007 to June 2013, even though official accommodation was already provided—a blatant regulatory violation.

Finance Division representatives conceded the improper disbursement and affirmed that recovery proceedings were underway.

The finance secretary apprised the panel that the officer, currently with the State Bank of Pakistan, retained funds there, and the bank would be approached to facilitate the recovery effort.

PAC Sub-Committee Convener Shahida Akhtar Ali conveyed sharp displeasure, lamenting that prompt intervention could have averted the irregularity. She instructed the Finance Division to accelerate the recovery process and furnish updates at the committee’s forthcoming session.