Punjab Hired Helicopter Services for Rs. 16 Crore for 17 Days During 2025 Floods
The Punjab government hired helicopter services worth Rs. 160.3 million for rescue and relief operations during the 2025 floods, according to official documents.
The services were acquired from a private company for 17 days, from August 28 to September 13, 2025, during the flood emergency.
However, the payment process has raised several procedural concerns. The Punjab Finance Department questioned why the payment and regularization process was initiated eight months after the services were provided, noting that the available record did not contain a clear explanation for the delay
The department also pointed to the absence of independent verification of the helicopter’s flying logs. According to the documents, there was no independent confirmation of the actual flying hours for which the government was billed.
Questions were also raised over the rates charged by the company. The Finance Department said no independent assessment had been provided to determine whether the rates were reasonable and in line with prevailing market prices.
In addition, the department noted that possible tax liabilities and other tax implications had not been properly considered while processing the payment.
The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) said direct contracting is allowed in emergency situations, but the relevant legal provisions must be clearly identified and followed.
PPRA also stressed that the procuring agency should conduct market research and analysis before determining rates for emergency services.
The documents show that the Punjab Finance Department had already released Rs. 72.23 billion for flood rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities. Despite the availability of funds, questions have been raised over the procedure used to hire the helicopter services and subsequently regularize the payment.
Punjab Chief Secretary maintained that the helicopters were hired under emergency circumstances and that payment for the services is the responsibility of the provincial government.
The Rs. 160.3 million payment will now be considered after issues related to the delayed regularization, verification of flying hours, market-based assessment of rates and applicable tax obligations are examined.
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