Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor’s Adviser on Information and Public Relations Samar Haroon Bilour has called for a transparent investigation and strict accountability over alleged financial irregularities involving billions of rupees in provincial expenditures, declaring that every rupee of taxpayers’ money is a national trust that must be protected.
Her remarks came as she assumed charge of the Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, pledging to prioritize the reconstruction of disaster-hit areas, rehabilitation of families affected by terrorism and natural calamities, and immediate assistance to vulnerable communities across the province.
Bilour also expressed serious concern over audit observations for the 2024-25 financial year, which she said raised significant questions about financial transparency, expenditure verification and fiscal management under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial administration.
After assuming her new responsibilities, Bilour thanked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for entrusting her with the portfolio, describing the appointment as an honor and a significant responsibility.
She said rebuilding a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would remain central to her vision.
“Our priority is to rebuild the province, restore affected communities and address the difficulties faced by the people without delay,” she said.
Highlighting the province’s vulnerability to climate change, terrorism and natural disasters, Bilour stressed that authorities must adopt emergency measures to rehabilitate affected areas and restore essential services.
She pledged to mobilize all available resources whenever disasters or emergencies strike, ensuring that affected families receive timely assistance.
Furthermore, she said the department would pursue a coordinated rehabilitation strategy to accelerate reconstruction and resettlement efforts.
“We will stand with our people in every difficult situation and take all possible measures to ensure their rehabilitation in the shortest possible time,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bilour raised concerns about financial discrepancies highlighted in the 2024-25 audit report, saying the findings warranted a comprehensive examination of the province’s financial management practices.
Citing the report, she said auditors could not fully verify Rs72.46 billion in government expenditures, while additional accounting entries totaling Rs104.26 billion appeared against the budget approved by the provincial assembly.
She said authorities must explain the legal basis, authorization and accounting treatment of the additional entries.
Bilour argued that the inability to fully substantiate such substantial public expenditures raised serious questions about financial oversight and accountability.
However, the audit observations cited by Bilour do not, by themselves, establish embezzlement or criminal wrongdoing.
Bilour further cited audit observations identifying Rs153.68 billion in development expenditures allegedly recorded under incorrect accounting classifications.
Additionally, she pointed to a negative balance of Rs39.58 billion in the provincial public account, describing it as another issue requiring financial scrutiny.
According to Bilour, the audit report also highlighted incomplete accounting records for Rs98.89 billion in foreign loans.
Moreover, she said payments totaling Rs51.85 billion against foreign loans and interest could not be fully verified, raising concerns about debt management and financial documentation.
She emphasized that provincial authorities must reconcile the accounts and clarify discrepancies to restore confidence in the management of public finances.
The governor’s adviser also questioned gaps in the province’s debt records, saying the audit findings indicated that internal provincial loan records had not been updated since the 2017-18 financial year.
Similarly, she said records relating to loans obtained from the federal government had not been updated since 2013-14.
Bilour also pointed to additional development budget entries totaling Rs20.20 billion, calling for a detailed explanation of their authorization and accounting treatment.
Furthermore, she said the audit report identified additional entries involving billions of rupees across key departments, including health, education, police, highways and other public service sectors.
She stressed that authorities must examine these observations transparently and determine whether administrative failures, accounting deficiencies or financial misconduct contributed to the reported discrepancies.
Calling for stronger financial oversight, Bilour said public resources must be managed with transparency, responsibility and accountability.
“Every single rupee collected through taxpayers’ money is a national trust, and a complete account of its use must be provided,” she said.
She maintained that the protection of public funds should remain a fundamental responsibility of government institutions, regardless of political affiliations.
Bilour demanded a transparent examination of all audit objections and called for responsibility to be established wherever investigations confirm irregularities.
She also emphasized that accountability should be based on documented evidence and a fair investigative process.
With her new portfolio, Bilour outlined a two-pronged approach focusing on humanitarian rehabilitation and financial accountability.
On one hand, she pledged to accelerate relief operations, rebuild disaster-affected communities and support families displaced or otherwise affected by terrorism and natural calamities.
On the other, she called for scrutiny of the financial discrepancies highlighted in the provincial audit report, arguing that public confidence depends on transparent financial management and effective institutional oversight.
Her statements place renewed attention on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fiscal management at a time when the province faces mounting reconstruction needs and continuing challenges from climate-related disasters and insecurity.
Bilour maintained that rebuilding the province and safeguarding public resources must go hand in hand, emphasising that sustainable development requires both effective public service delivery and accountability for government spending.
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