Launch of Musharraf's book: PAC directs culture ministry to produce missing record of Rs 20.8 million grant

National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed Ministry of Culture to produce missing record of Rs 20.8 million supplementary grant spent by former President Pervez Musharraf on launch of his book in Washington D.C. (USA) in 2006.
The PAC also directed Auditor General of Pakistan to submit detailed report on use of discretionary funds by President and Prime Minister, which they alleged were misused during Musharraf's tenure. The committee wanted to know is there any limit or rules that should be observed in disbursement of discretionary funds.
The PAC dug out that expenditure on inaugural ceremony of Musharraf 's book launched in USA was adjusted as supplementary grant of Rs 20.8 million spent on performance of Cultural Troupes in Washington D.C. during the visit of then President of Pakistan Pervaz Musharraf on September 09, 2006. The officials of Ministry of Culture said that relevant record was not available after devolution of federal ministries to the provinces so they could not produce the record.
In another case, Member PAC, Yasmin Rehman pointed out Rs 10 million amount was released to Rawalpindi Golf Club, a private club, with a single stroke of pen by the then President using his discretionary powers. Secretary Ministry of Culture and Auditor General of Pakistan both were on the same page when they stated that private club was not eligible for discretionary grant. Neither the grant was given, in the case under discussion, for the promotion of sports in Pakistan, they urged.
Secretary Culture further explained the members that sending cultural troupes abroad was no more the subject of the ministry. "Ministry of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are receiving funds for projection of culture abroad and implementation of cultural agreements with foreign countries.", he said. Secretary was responding to questions raised by members regarding performance of cultural troupes abroad.
Chairman PAC also showed anger over release of Rs 30 million from discretionary funds of Prime Minister in 2007 for replacement of existing out door swimming pool in the Islamabad Club.
He directed Auditor General of Pakistan to find out the limits of discretionary funds. Is Islamabad Club entitled for the discretionary funds? The AGP office stated that Prime Minister could use the discretionary funds according to his own will, but it requires Parliament's approval. Chairman contended that the club was not entitled as the accounts of Islamabad Club were not audited by government in the past.
To another question regarding establishment of National Monuments at Islamabad, Joint Secretary Ministry of Culture Muneer Ahmed said that an amount of Rs 98 million was spent on the construction of monument and funds were provided on the directives of the then President Pervez Musharraf. The record of construction of monument was also not available with the ministry, he said. The PAC meeting was presided by Nadeem Afzal Gondal on Tuesday in the Parliament House.