The Public Accounts Committee, under the chairmanship of Junaid Akbar, held a meeting during which several key issues were brought to light. The committee took serious notice of a statement made by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif regarding bureaucrats allegedly purchasing property in Portugal. Chairman Junaid Akbar specifically referenced this statement, expressing concern and the need for further investigation into the matter.
As a result, the committee has requested a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of Interior, State Bank, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other relevant authorities in the upcoming session. The committee is seeking detailed information on which bureaucrats have acquired plots abroad, reflecting growing concerns about transparency and accountability within public service ranks.
In addition to the issue of overseas property, the committee also addressed the imposition of sales tax in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), a matter raised by the chairman himself. He noted that despite the unique economic challenges in the region, sales tax has still been applied, prompting the committee to further examine the rationale and implications of this policy.
Another significant point of discussion was the closure of utility stores, which has impacted the accessibility of essential commodities for many citizens. The committee has decided to obtain a detailed briefing on this matter as well, signaling its intent to closely scrutinize the factors behind the decision and its effect on the general public.
