Corruption report: Senate Finance Committee raises questions on institutions

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday expressed serious concern over a recent report on corruption and governance in Pakistan, directing pointed questions at the relevant institutions.

Under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwala, committee members voiced strong outrage over major corruption scandals emerging in various sectors.

Senator Dilawar Khan revealed that the IMF had identified corruption worth Rs5,300 billion in the country and questioned whether action would be taken against the institutions mentioned in the report.

He also cited a serious incident involving an FBR officer in Lahore who allegedly demanded a share from a member in a refund-related corruption case and opened fire when his demand was refused.

Chairman Mandviwala and other members expressed shock at the revelation and decided that the FBR case would be discussed in detail in the next committee meeting.

The Ministry of Finance maintained that most of the issues highlighted in the report were already being addressed by the government.

According to officials, the report was prepared with IMF support and emphasizes the need to implement an action plan for effective governance, to be completed within six to 10 months, with a maximum allowable period of one and a half years.

The committee members, particularly Senator Abdul Qadir, criticized the performance of the SIFC, the lack of proper agreements, and the overall economic situation of the country.

Senator Farooq H. Naik asked the government whether it acknowledges the irregularities and institutional weaknesses mentioned in the report, noting the seriousness of the allegations.

The Ministry of Finance clarified that the diagnostic report identifies problems, and the government is already working on reforms in multiple sectors, while IMF recommendations will be fully implemented.