KARACHI – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Sindh Assembly has ordered the blacklisting of eight NGOs after they failed to submit audit records for over Rs800 million in government funding. These funds were provided under the Community Development Programme for health, education, and skill development in 2018.
During Tuesday’s session chaired by Nisar Khuhro, the PAC also directed the Social Welfare Department to cancel the registration and licenses of these NGOs. The meeting was attended by key committee members and Planning Secretary Sajjad Abbasi. Officials confirmed that out of 16 NGOs that received funding, eight could not provide expenditure details or invoices.
The PAC also raised concerns over the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) for charging interest on micro-loans given to widowed and poor women. These loans, part of the UC-Based Poverty Reduction Programme, were meant to be interest-free. SRSO’s CEO claimed the charges were recorded by mistake and that village organizations managed the loans.
Moreover, PAC members were informed that SRSO had not returned Rs380 million in interest income from Rs9.67 billion disbursed for development projects in six districts. The CEO assured the committee that funds would be returned once the Planning Department formally requested them. The PAC has launched a full investigation into SRSO’s financial handling.
In another decision, the committee reinstated Pervez Ahmed, the suspended Project Director of the People’s Poverty Reduction Programme. His apology for delayed audits was accepted, and PAC members allowed him to resume his duties.
Overall, the PAC emphasized accountability, transparency, and proper fund usage, highlighting the government’s commitment to curbing mismanagement and protecting public resources.