The National Highway Authority (NHA) and National Highways and Motorway Police are embroiled in a controversy over unpaid rent, with audit officials revealing that Rs 11.76 billion in rent has not been recovered. The NHA has 160 buildings across Pakistan occupied by the Motorway Police, and the rent for these buildings has allegedly not been paid.
This staggering amount of unrecovered rent highlights significant financial irregularities within the NHA. According to audit reports, the NHA has failed to collect rent from the Motorway Police despite occupying numerous buildings. This raises questions about the financial management and accountability within the authority.
Furthermore, audit objections have highlighted other financial discrepancies within the NHA. These include contractual irregularities of Rs 11.22 billion in contracts awarded without proper tendering procedures. Overpayments of Rs 3.21 billion have also been reported due to higher rates and non-deduction of income tax. Additionally, losses of Rs 3.16 billion have been attributed to amicable settlements and non-collection of revenue.
The Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting was held in 2019 to address these issues. Despite the meeting, the matter remains unresolved. The Ministry of Communications has been given three months to resolve the issue. However, given the complexity and magnitude of the financial irregularities, it remains to be seen whether the matter can be resolved within the given timeframe.
The NHA’s financial irregularities have raised concerns about the authority’s management and accountability. The authority’s inability to collect rent from the Motorway Police and its failure to follow proper tendering procedures in awarding contracts have significant implications for the country’s economy.
The government’s efforts to address these issues will be crucial in restoring transparency and accountability within the NHA. The Ministry of Communications must take concrete steps to ensure that the NHA’s financial management is improved and that the authority is held accountable for its actions.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the NHA’s unpaid rent and financial irregularities highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the authority. The government’s efforts to address these issues will be crucial in ensuring that the NHA is managed efficiently and effectively.
