Audit Uncovers Rs141 Billion Irregularities in Benazir Income Support Program
A financial audit has revealed irregularities exceeding Rs141 billion in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) during the fiscal year 2023-24.
The report highlights major financial mismanagement, including payments made without valid national identity cards, misuse of educational scholarship funds, and unlawful cash withdrawals from beneficiaries’ accounts.
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Key Findings of the Audit:
- Rs116.95 billion was disbursed to 3.077 million families without valid identity cards.
- Rs54.67 million in payments is still pending for rightful beneficiaries.
- Rs4 billion was allocated to ineligible individuals, including tax filers.
- Families of government employees received Rs60 million unlawfully.
Misuse of Scholarship Funds:
- Rs11.5 million was distributed to unauthorized students.
- Rs13.8 million was given to over 5.4 million students marked present despite not attending classes.
- Rs154.2 million was paid to 57,833 students who did not meet the 70% attendance requirement.
- Rs2.8 million was allocated through unlawful enrollments.
Unauthorized Withdrawals & Excess Payments:
- Rs454.7 million was withdrawn unlawfully from district-specific cash grants.
- Rs115 million was improperly deducted from beneficiaries’ accounts.
- Rs77.2 million was misused under the household survey category.
- Rs63.7 million was paid in deputation allowances to unqualified employees.
- Rs55 million in excessive payments were made under the Nashonuma Program.
Other Financial Discrepancies:
- Rs40 million lost due to embezzlement remains unrecovered.
- Rs30 million shortfall in income tax deductions was detected.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future financial mismanagement.
