Billions of rupees meant for managing Sindh’s irrigation infrastructure and executing development schemes have come under scrutiny, with an audit uncovering financial irregularities and violations of rules amounting to Rs. 23.95 billion in the provincial Irrigation Department during 2024-25.
From allegedly manipulated contract awards and questionable procurements to payments made in violation of prescribed procedures, a 54-point audit report has flagged a range of financial and administrative lapses, raising serious questions about the department’s handling of public funds.
The Auditor General of Pakistan has forwarded the detailed report to the Sindh irrigation secretary for further action.
According to the audit findings, irregularities included the unlawful division of contracts, payments made contrary to approved rules and procedural violations in the processing and clearance of bills.
The report also pointed to alleged circumvention of mandatory procedures during the approval and execution of development projects. Certain expenditures were reportedly justified on grounds of emergency works, despite questions over their legality and the potential losses caused to the public exchequer.
The acceptance of allegedly illegal tenders and procurement in violation of prescribed regulations also came under scrutiny.
Among the issues highlighted was expenditure running into millions of rupees on filling breaches in flood embankments. The department, however, reportedly failed to provide the audit team with satisfactory legal or documentary justification for the substantial spending.
The audit authorities have recommended a transparent investigation into the reported irregularities and legal action against officials found responsible.
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