PAC Slams NTC for Acting Above the State

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: The National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) is facing intense criticism after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) uncovered wide-ranging financial irregularities, accusing the state-run telecom agency of operating like a “parallel government” outside the bounds of constitutional oversight.

During a fiery PAC session chaired by MNA Junaid Akbar Khan, lawmakers expressed shock over audit findings that revealed NTC spent more than Rs5.6 billion without federal approval and invested an additional Rs1.9 billion without depositing it into the Consolidated Fund, a clear violation of Article 78 of the Constitution.

Missing Financial Records

The situation worsened with the disclosure that NTC distributed PKR 94 million in bonuses to employees during the fiscal year 2022–23 without authorization from either the Finance Division or its own board of directors. Lawmakers condemned the absence of transparency, with MNA Khawaja Shiraz questioning why NTC’s financial statements were being treated like “a national secret.”

Audit officials confirmed that NTC has failed to produce audited financial statements for the last three years, prompting committee members to denounce what they described as a blatant disregard for financial governance and accountability.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

Veteran PPP lawmaker Syed Naveed Qamar issued a scathing rebuke: “This is not an agency — it’s a parallel government. These people behave as if no law applies to them.” His concerns were echoed by MNA Hina Rabbani Khar, who demanded clarity on under what authority NTC had made such significant financial decisions without oversight.

NTC’s Chief Financial Officer attempted to justify the controversial investment, claiming it was verbally approved by the Finance Division. The explanation was immediately rejected by the committee. “The Constitution clearly requires all revenues to be deposited into the national treasury,” Qamar emphasized.

NAB Inquiry Closure Questioned

The PAC also raised serious questions about the sudden closure of a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) inquiry into a dubious public-private partnership involving NTC. The probe was reportedly concluded within six months with no findings of wrongdoing. “NAB should not commit fraud with us,” Qamar said, accusing the bureau of helping cover up financial misconduct. Chairman Junaid Akbar added, “These agencies are being misused to bury accountability.”

Committee Orders

In a series of strong directives, the PAC ordered the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology to:

Recover the PKR 94 million in illegal bonuses within one month

Identify officials responsible for the unauthorized spending

Ensure that audited financial statements are submitted without further delay

The committee also warned of escalating the matter to the Prime Minister if immediate corrective action is not taken.

Poor Governance

The revelations have sparked serious concerns over governance, transparency, and financial accountability in Pakistan’s critical telecommunications sector. Lawmakers stressed the urgent need for strict adherence to constitutional fiscal protocols and stronger independent oversight to prevent future violations.

“This is about restoring public trust and ensuring no institution functions above the law,” Chairman Junaid Akbar concluded.