Corruption emerging as national slogan, says Chairman PAC
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—NA Public Accounts Committee has expressed resentment over taking no action against the elements found involved in massive financial irregularities in PIA and Survey of Pakistan despite lapse of ten years.
The committee met here Tuesday under chairman Malik Allay Yar Khan in parliament house. Qamar ul Zaman Kaira, Qurban Ali Shah, Ali Akbar Wains, auditor general Yunis Khan and others also attended the meeting. Commenting on widespread embezzlement in the accounts of defence ministry the committee said corruption has become national slogan. The malpractices are taking place in the defence ministry like tehsil councils.
Member of committee Qamar ul Zaman Kaira and PIA chairman Tariq Kirmani exchanged hot words. Chairman committee put off the meeting till today. Earlier audit report for the year of 2000-01 in regard to defence ministry was presented. The chairman committee while giving remarks said it seemed as if corruption has become our national slogan.
Regarding theft of house building funds amount in Survey of Pakistan by its employee, the committee expressed its serious concern and did not settle the para related to amount written off by the finance ministry.
On the objections raised by auditor general of Pakistan during the scrutiny of accounts related record of survey of Pakistan, the committee directed surveyor general Saidi Jamal to ensure transparency in the system.
Giving the briefing to the committee chairman PIA Tariq Kirmani told the factors including additional strength of employees, presence of old fashioned aircraft in PIA fleet and hike in the prices of fuel in international market have contributed to cause loss to national flag carrier. The number of PIA employees stands at 19800 at present. The salary package of PIA crew is far lower than the employees of other airlines. The cost of fuel has increased by 34 billion rupees where budget allocations in this respect has been made to the tune of Rs 18 billion only. 16 billion rupees are being spent beyond the budgetary allocations on purchase of fuel.
Responding to a question the PIA chairman told that new and modern aircraft are being inducted in PIA fleet to run it on modern lines. Talks are underway I this regard. PIA has neither any funds nor government is in a position to help PIA in purchasing new aircrafts. PIA board of directors has decided to acquire aircraft on lease.
He informed that hotels operating under PIA in New York and Paris are being sold out through privatisation commission.