Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati raised serious concerns over systemic corruption, stating, “It seems that all matters are beyond corruption—every relevant department is equally responsible. Each one is fighting for their share in corruption.” He stressed that the public should be aware of the scale of corruption within institutions, saying, “The people should know how much corruption our institutions are involved in.”
Swati revealed alarming findings, “We have learned that institutions are colluding with thieves to embezzle billions of rupees.” He accused departments of deceiving the nation, “Departments trap the public in bureaucratic corruption and loot billions.” He also claimed that institutions shift blame, “To hide their own wrongdoings, they blacken the faces of politicians.”
During the session, the Internal Accountability Committee reviewed the promotions of two officers. Swati questioned the feasibility of a special audit, “If we want a special audit of these two departments, how much time will it take?” Lawmakers suggested a third-party audit, but the Finance Advisor warned, “A third-party audit is possible, but its cost will be very high.”
The Auditor General responded, “We have 110 auditors, and others are also currently engaged in audits. I will be able to confirm in 2-3 days whether a special audit can be conducted.” Swati clarified the scale of the issue, “This is not a matter of 36 billion rupees—it is 200 billion.” He demanded transparency, “The details of the ‘ping-pong’ being played by departments must come to light.”
The Auditor General admitted, “We will have to re-audit all departments for the past six years.” However, he revealed a hurdle, “Upper Kohistan’s records are with NAB, and they will not return them under any circumstances.” Swati challenged, “Give me in writing that NAB is refusing to provide the records.”
Swati directly questioned the Auditor General, “AG, have you suspended any officer and initiated action?” Instead of answering, the AG shifted focus. Similarly, when the Finance Secretary was asked, “How many people have you suspended?” he denied responsibility, “We have no records; we are not accountable.”
Lawmaker Ahmad Karim Kundi criticized the evasiveness, “The Finance Secretary and AG are absolving themselves to escape accountability.” He sarcastically remarked, “Should we replace all these departments with me?”
Swati issued directives: “The Secretary C&W, AG, and Finance Secretary must complete an internal inquiry within three days. All those involved must be suspended—otherwise, people will mock us.” He set a deadline, “All three departments must submit their reports in the next PAC meeting by Wednesday.”
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