Islamabad (HRNW) – Alleged financial irregularities of more than Rs. 1.06 billion have been revealed in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) regarding salaries and allowances.
During a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly, audit officials disclosed that the national exchequer allegedly suffered losses due to ghost employees and double salary payments in HESCO. According to audit officials, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating alleged corruption involving approximately Rs. 996.2 million.
The audit authorities further revealed that an internal inquiry conducted by HESCO identified additional suspicious payments amounting to Rs. 67.8 million.
During the meeting chaired by Shahida Akhtar, FIA officials informed the committee that the number of registered cases in the matter had reached five. A total of 151 suspects were nominated, out of whom 14 were arrested, while others were granted bail. FIA officials stated that Rs. 130 million has been recovered out of the alleged financial loss of around one billion rupees.
Committee member Qasim Noon said that the recovery of Rs. 130 million was insufficient and demanded strict action against those responsible. Syed Amin-ul-Haq stated that verification of ghost employees had also been conducted and their existence was confirmed.
Senator Afnanullah Khan urged the ministry to intervene and ensure identification of those responsible for the alleged irregularities.
Committee Chairperson Shahida Akhtar remarked that the audit had already highlighted the issue and suggested that there appeared to be a lack of an effective check-and-balance mechanism within the power sector. In response, the HESCO CEO informed the committee that responsibility had been fixed for Rs. 756 million.
The committee chairperson stated that the audit observations would remain pending until further orders from the court. Committee member Syed Hussain Tariq questioned why a biometric attendance system was not operational in HESCO.
Pakistan Peoples Party member Shazia Marri said that distribution companies (DISCOs) are summoned before the Public Accounts Committee not merely for explanations but for accountability, adding that institutions must improve their performance.
The Public Accounts Committee directed that the recovery of Rs. 130 million be verified through an audit, while the remaining recovery and related matters would remain pending until completion of investigations.
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⚠️ Important Note
This report is based on statements made during the Public Accounts Committee meeting, audit findings, and remarks by relevant authorities. HRNW (hrnww.com) does not independently verify allegations of corruption or financial irregularities. Final facts will emerge after completion of investigations, audits, and legal proceedings.
