The World Bank has appreciated the role of Department of Auditor General of Pakistan (DAGP) in improving overall public sector financial management in the country. A seven-member delegation from World Bank (WB) headed by Edward Olowo-Okere, Global Director of Governance Global Practice, World Bank, met Javaid Jehangir, Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP), on Friday to discuss collaboration of AGP with the World Bank.

The AGP appraised the delegation of the emerging challenges due to changes in technological development in governance structure and risks associated with it. The AGP informed the WB delegation about initiatives being taken in line with ever-changing governance environment and Public Financial Management needs.

The global director noted that the DAGP plays a pivotal role in auditing World Bank assisted projects and that the World Bank has entrusted the audit of its projects to Department of Auditor General of Pakistan (DAGP) due to its competence and expertise.

The delegation further emphasized on timeliness and effective implementation of procurement processes and pledged technical support to DAGP to strengthen accountability. While AGP mentioned the importance of audit of foreign funded projects and the resources being allocated to it, he also pointed out constraints such as non-availability of accurate financial statements and lack of coordination between World Bank and the implementing agencies.

The AGP emphasized that audit processes must be evolved and auditors must be trained to deal with the risks being presented by disruptive technologies and new ways of governance.