The World Bank on Wednesday deplored that no audit reports of sitting governments spending have been published so far to ensure good governance through financial accountability as belated audit reports of public accounts committees have failed to serve the purpose for which they were formed.
It further noted that the PAC instead of reviewing current government's performance always made public successive governments' audit reports, which are usually four to seven years old. The accountability of these corrupt officials is sometimes impossible due to delay that not only hurts the government's kitty but further encouraging corruption.
Rick Stapenhurst from the World Bank said at a workshop organised by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly in collaboration with WB that PACs in the commonwealth countries, including Pakistan, were facing constraints in auditing and scrutinising government officials.
He said that highly partisan climate, lack of public trust in politicians, government's dislike of legislative oversight, lack of media/public involvement and absence of strong ethical base among parliamentarians were big constraints to the effective public accounts committees not only in Pakistan but also in other Commonwealth countries.
The PAC should have the power to investigate all past and present government expenses, regardless of when they were made, and select the issue for investigation without government intervention but some governments do not like it and create hurdles in their way, he said.
PACs should have a broad scope able to overlook aspects of government spending particularly on defence, security and central bank. Solid technical support should be provided to these committees for execution of their investigation.
The World Bank representative said that the committee should be small (5-11 members), none of whom should be government minister. Senior opposition member should chair the meeting and the committee should be provided adequate resources, with an experienced clerk and a competent researcher.
It should be independent in investigating other matters, publishing their reports and tabling these in parliament for extensive debate. Terming PAC and Auditor-General as two faces of a coin, Rick said that both should cooperate and meet each other to highlight reports for further investigation and accountability.
Punjab government's having two account committees were also questioned at the workshop. But, their institution was justified, saying that due to large population and administrative burden having more than one committee was imperative.