The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting came under heavy criticism from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday after revelations that a large portion of the flood awareness fund was diverted to unrelated government promotions.
According to the audit report for fiscal year 2023–24, the ministry received Rs. 1.95 billion to run awareness campaigns related to flood preparedness. However, only Rs. 160 million was actually used for its intended purpose. The remaining funds were reportedly spent on promoting various other government projects—an act that violates the rules of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
PAC members expressed deep concern over the misuse of public funds and criticized the ministry for failing to hold timely Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meetings, which are crucial for internal financial accountability.
The committee has now directed the ministry to re-examine the audit objection in the next DAC session.
Adding to the criticism, a PAC member pointed out that Pakistan Television (PTV) employees have not been paid salaries for six months, while hefty payments continue to be made to external anchors and analysts, raising further questions about the ministry’s financial priorities.
