ISLAMABAD: Development funds worth Rs75 billion released last year have come under audit scrutiny due to missing records about how the money was used.

According to the Auditor General’s report, complete details of the spending on projects for less-developed areas were not available. The Cabinet Division also failed to provide information about which projects received the funds, where they were carried out, and how much money was spent on each scheme.

Because of the missing records, auditors were unable to confirm whether the Rs75 billion was properly utilised or whether the projects achieved their intended goals. The lack of information raised concerns about transparency and monitoring of the development programme.

The funds were released during the fiscal year 2024-25 under the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Program (SAP). The money was provided to federal ministries, provincial governments, and other government departments for development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, supporting human development, and reducing regional inequalities.

The audit report stated that the Cabinet Division did not collect regular progress reports from departments responsible for carrying out the projects. It also failed to provide project completion certificates, making it difficult for auditors to verify the actual use of funds.

The report further noted that project-wise and area-wise details were unavailable, preventing auditors from checking whether the funds were distributed fairly among provinces and regions.

Auditors said they informed the Cabinet Division about the issue on November 5, 2025, but no response was received before the report was completed.

The Auditor General has recommended that the Cabinet Division create a central monitoring system to keep track of SAP funds by project, sector, and area to ensure better transparency and accountability in the future.