A recent audit conducted by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has unveiled a series of irregularities in the recruitment processes at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), resulting in a substantial financial loss to the national exchequer. According to the AGP’s annual audit report for the fiscal year 2023-24, these irregularities led to a loss exceeding Rs45 million. The findings of the audit have raised serious concerns regarding governance, compliance with recruitment standards, and financial management within the PTA.
The audit report highlights that during the financial year 2022-23, the PTA engaged in several illegal recruitment activities, including the hiring of staff for positions that did not exist. Specifically, the audit reveals that the PTA hired one IT officer and two assistant directors at its headquarters despite the absence of corresponding positions. This move was in clear violation of established service rules and regulations.
The audit indicates that the PTA disbursed Rs45.9 million in salaries and allowances for these illegitimate positions. This expenditure was not only unauthorized but also contrary to the regulations governing recruitment and financial management. Furthermore, the audit report reveals that the recruitment process did not align with the advertised criteria, raising additional concerns about procedural compliance.
The audit findings underscore a broader issue within the PTA regarding adherence to recruitment standards. The report notes that a significant number of recruitments within the PTA did not follow the advertised criteria. This discrepancy points to systemic issues in how recruitment practices are managed and raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within the organization.
In response to the audit report, the PTA stated that its chairman had the authority to alter recruitment criteria. However, this explanation was deemed unsatisfactory by the audit authorities. The AGP’s office rejected the PTA’s justification, emphasizing that the recruitment was conducted against non-existent positions, which violated both legal and regulatory frameworks.
The audit report further reveals that the PTA ignored directives to review its recruitment practices and submit a corrective report within a specified timeframe. Despite repeated requests, no progress report has been provided to date. This lack of response highlights a significant failure in addressing audit findings and implementing necessary corrective actions.
The situation at the PTA reflects deeper governance issues and a lack of adherence to proper protocols in public sector organizations. The audit report calls for an inquiry to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the financial discrepancies and procedural violations. This investigation aims to ensure that future recruitment processes adhere to established standards and that financial management practices are improved.
The revelations from the audit report underscore the need for stringent oversight and adherence to recruitment standards within the PTA. It also highlights the importance of transparent and accountable financial management practices in public sector organizations. The ongoing investigation will play a crucial role in addressing these issues and restoring proper protocol in future recruitment processes.
Credit: This article is based on information provided by Samaa News.
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