A financial audit has revealed irregularities amounting to over Rs141 billion in the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) during the fiscal year 2023-24.
According to the audit report, millions of beneficiaries received payments without valid national identity cards, and funds meant for educational scholarships were also misused. Additionally, cash was unlawfully withdrawn from the accounts of deserving individuals.
The audit highlights that out of 9.3 million registered beneficiaries, 3.077 million families did not have valid identity cards, yet payments of Rs116.95 billion were made to them. Some rightful recipients are still awaiting payments totaling Rs54.67 million. Furthermore, Rs4 billion was distributed to ineligible individuals, including tax filers, while families of government employees received Rs60 million.
The audit report uncovered that unauthorized students received over Rs11.5 million in scholarships. Additionally, Rs13.8 million was distributed to 5,435,533 students who were marked present despite not attending classes. A total of Rs154.2 million was paid to 57,833 students who failed to meet the 70% attendance requirement. Moreover, Rs2.8 million was disbursed through unlawful enrollments.
The audit further revealed that Rs454.7 million was withdrawn unlawfully from cash grants designated for specific districts, while Rs115 million was improperly deducted from beneficiaries’ accounts. Unauthorized payments included Rs77.2 million under the household survey category and Rs63.7 million in deputation allowances for unqualified employees. Additionally, Rs55 million in excessive payments were made under the Nashonuma Program.
Other financial discrepancies include the non-recovery of Rs40 million lost due to embezzlement and a shortfall of Rs30 million in income tax deductions.
Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further to ensure accountability and prevent future financial mismanagement.
