₨9 Billion Irregularities Unearthed in Quetta Safe City Project

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Asghar Ali Tareen, has expressed serious concern over massive irregularities worth Rs. 9 billion and illegal contracts amounting to Rs. 2.280 billion in the Quetta Safe City Project. ₨9 Billion Irregularities Unearthed in Quetta Safe City Project. The committee ordered a detailed inquiry to be completed within one month.   The meeting was attended by PAC members Wali Muhammad Noorzai, Ghulam Dastagir Badini, Muhammad Khan Lehri, Safia Bibi, Ayaz Mandokhail, Secretary Science and Technology, Secretary Information Imran Khan, DG Audit Balochistan Shuja Ali, DIG Prisons Zia Tareen, DGPR Balochistan Muhammad Noor Khaitran, and other officials.   According to the audit observations, the project was awarded to the SCO instead of NRTC, despite NRTC having secured higher technical and financial scores—an apparent violation of the Balochistan Public Procurement Rules 2014.   Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen remarked that “out of 800 surveillance cameras, 600 are non-functional. Despite spending Rs. 9 billion, public safety has not improved—this is a clear example of poor planning and mismanagement.”   Also Read: DAAD Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship 2026   The PAC directed that the Chief Secretary of Balochistan complete the inquiry within one month, warning that the case would be referred to NAB if delays persisted. The committee also ordered the recovery of Rs. 230.335 million in illegal advance payments within 15 days.   Regarding the Prisons Department, the committee expressed anger over losses of Rs. 11.327 million and directed that a detailed report be submitted within a week. The chairman emphasized improving clean water, medicines, and rehabilitation facilities in prisons and recommended that prison staff allowances be brought on par with those of other departments.   Audit observations on the Information Department also came under scrutiny. The committee noted that between 2018 and 2021, advertising expenditures amounted to Rs. 424.754 million, with Rs. 56.518 million in unpaid taxes—a matter of grave concern.   Chairman Tareen stated, “It is unfortunate that such huge amounts are being spent on advertisements in a financially weak province.” He directed the department to ensure tax recovery and close unauthorized bank accounts.   Concluding the session, the PAC chairman reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial discipline, stating that violations of rules and misuse of public funds will not be tolerated, and all departments must ensure compliance within the stipulated time.