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Govt Orders Third-Party Validation of Rs2.7 Billion Islamabad Beautification Costs for SCO Summit
The government has mandated a third-party verification of Rs2.7 billion spent on beautification during the SCO summit, amid scrutiny of financial claims.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-05
Govt Orders Third-Party Validation of Rs2.7 Billion Islamabad Beautification Costs for SCO Summit

The government has instructed a third-party validation of the Rs2.7 billion claimed to have been spent on beautification efforts in Islamabad for the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. This decision follows concerns raised during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, which discussed the veracity of the financial claims presented by various government departments.

 

Details of the ECC Meeting:

During the meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the ECC also approved an additional Rs746 million to cover costs related to maintaining law and order and facilitating media operations during the SCO event. The interior ministry had initially presented a summary seeking reimbursement for the beautification expenses incurred for the 23rd SCO summit held last month.

 

Despite the claims amounting to Rs5 billion from different government departments, only Rs2.3 billion has thus far been sanctioned. The ECC determined that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the interior ministry must undergo a third-party verification process before any further consideration of the beautification expenditure.

 

Financial Breakdown:

The interior ministry had requested Rs2.4 billion specifically for renovations and beautification of the Jinnah Convention Centre, the venue for the summit. The ECC deemed this figure excessive, prompting calls for a more rigorous review of the expenses.

 

Additionally, the finance ministry received a request for a supplementary grant of Rs95.8 million from the information ministry to cover outstanding dues from the summit, which included facilitating 250 journalists. The ECC agreed to reallocate funds from the ministry’s budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 to address these costs.

 

Protests and Security Measures:

The meeting also addressed the financial implications of recent violent protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with the ECC approving Rs329 million for costs associated with maintaining law and order. The breakdown of these expenses included compensation for damages to vehicles, food, fuel, anti-riot gear, and repairs to safe city cameras.

 

The government’s commitment to ensuring law and order during high-profile events, coupled with the need for budgetary oversight, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accountability in public spending.

 

Other Matters Discussed:

In addition to the spending on the SCO summit, the ECC reviewed various summaries, including the reallocation of sugar quotas between provinces and the approval of a sale-purchase agreement for petroleum products between Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and SOCAR Azerbaijan.

 

The law and justice ministry also successfully requested the transfer of Rs151.8 million to the Supreme Court for the repair and maintenance of its buildings, further underscoring the government’s multifaceted budgetary considerations.

 

As the government prepares to move forward, the verification of expenditures related to the SCO summit will be critical in addressing public concerns and ensuring responsible fiscal management.

 
Tagged:

Pakistan

SCO

Transparency

BudgetOversight

GovernmentSpending
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