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64% of Pakistan’s State-Owned Enterprises Yet to Complete Audits: Finance Ministry
Over 64% of Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises remain unaudited, raising concerns over transparency, financial losses & privatization delays
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-25
64% of Pakistan’s State-Owned Enterprises Yet to Complete Audits: Finance Ministry

A significant majority of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Pakistan have failed to complete their financial audits, raising serious concerns about transparency, governance, and economic management.

According to official documents from the Ministry of Finance, nearly 64 percent of SOEs have not finalised their audits, while only about 36 percent have completed the process. As a result, many public sector institutions are currently operating on interim or estimated financial figures.

The report highlights that key financial and operational decisions involving billions of rupees are being made based on assumptions rather than verified data. This lack of audited accounts not only undermines accountability but also increases the risk of financial mismanagement within these entities.

Officials warn that delayed or incomplete audits are contributing to the government’s broader fiscal challenges. The absence of accurate financial reporting has made it difficult to assess the true performance and liabilities of state-owned enterprises, further straining public finances.

Moreover, the issue has emerged as a major hurdle in the government’s privatisation agenda. Potential investors often require transparent and up-to-date financial records before committing to acquisitions or partnerships. Without completed audits, the credibility and market value of these enterprises remain uncertain.

The findings underscore the urgent need for reforms in corporate governance and financial oversight across Pakistan’s public sector. Strengthening audit mechanisms and ensuring timely financial reporting are seen as critical steps toward improving efficiency, restoring investor confidence, and advancing privatisation efforts.

As the government continues to navigate economic pressures, addressing audit backlogs in state-owned enterprises is likely to remain a key priority for policymakers.
Tagged:

PakistanEconomy

FinanceMinistry

AuditCrisis

SOEs
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