Punjab PAC orders inquiries after agriculture audit exposes subsidy and seed irregularities

Lahore: The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar, reviewed audit paras related to the Agriculture Department and its attached bodies, exposing serious financial irregularities. The audit report highlighted issues including unused subsidy amounts, delayed deposit of profit, lower tax deductions from contractors, procurement of printed material without open tenders, poor crop output, and financial loss linked to Punjab Seed Corporation operations. The committee expressed concern over the purchase of seed worth Rs. 29 million at higher rates and sale at lower prices, directing inquiry reports within 15 and 90 days on different matters. Strong accountability can protect public funds, support agriculture investment, and strengthen rural economic confidence. Will these inquiries improve governance in Punjab’s agriculture sector?