Senate Panel Orders Probe Into PBM Irregularities

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety has ordered a high-level investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), referring the matter to both the Auditor General of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency for further action.

The meeting was held at the Parliament Lodges in Islamabad under the convenership of Senator Rubina Qaim Khani, with Senators Dost Ali Jeesar and Jan Muhammad in attendance along with senior PBM officials, including its Secretary, Managing Director, and directors of finance, audit, and administration.

According to the committee, PBM has failed to submit required compliance reports despite multiple directives issued between October 2025 and May 2026. Officials alleged that no corrective action had been taken on issues including illegal promotions, recovery of unlawful financial benefits, and implementation of Supreme Court rulings.

The audit director reportedly confirmed that irregularities had already been highlighted internally, while the committee expressed concern over what it described as institutional resistance and failure of internal accountability mechanisms.

The committee also criticized the non-submission of a formal affidavit confirming the absence of corruption or irregularities, stating that the response from management reflected non-cooperation with parliamentary oversight.

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In response, the sub-committee approved a special audit and formally referred the case to the Auditor General of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency.

The Auditor General has been tasked with examining allegations including excess promotions, unlawful financial benefits, procurement violations, and irregular appointments. The FIA has been instructed to initiate further action, including the registration of cases if records are not provided or cooperation is withheld.

The committee stated that its objective is to strengthen governance and ensure accountability rather than target individuals, emphasizing that any disciplinary action would follow legal and constitutional procedures.

It further noted that alleged irregularities have resulted in losses exceeding Rs. 1 billion, arguing that such mismanagement ultimately affects the country’s most vulnerable citizens who depend on social welfare support.