Islamabad 12 August: A bombshell audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has exposed financial irregularities totaling over Rs28 billion in the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, casting a shadow over one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s flagship public transport initiatives.
The special audit for 2019-2022, released as part of the 2024-25 fiscal year findings, details a litany of mismanagement, unauthorized spending, and operational failures by TransPeshawar, the company running the BRT system.
Massive Financial Losses Uncovered
The AGP report points to staggering losses across multiple areas:
- Commercial Ventures Fizzle Out: Unfinished commercial plazas at Hayatabad, Dabgari Garden, and Chamkani depots cost Rs10.96 billion in lost revenue, as these spaces remain unused.
- Shady Contracts: The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) contract, awarded without approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), led to a Rs11.32 billion loss. Irregular contract awards added another Rs3.78 billion in damages.
- ZU Card Blunder: Free distribution of ZU fare cards drained Rs118.6 million, while unrecovered taxes and equipment costs from vendors cost Rs485.8 million.
- Unauthorized Spending: Rs500 million was squandered on unnecessary electricity expenses under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA). The illegal transfer of BRT bus ownership further hemorrhaged Rs6.26 billion.
- Theft and Mismanagement: Thieves made off with 1,197 meters of electrical wiring from BRT stations, costing Rs3.4 million. Meanwhile, bus advertisement revenue was funneled to private vendors, bypassing TransPeshawar.
- Subsidy Woes: Mismanagement of provincial subsidies amounted to Rs4.44 billion, with the project’s reliance on government funds ballooning due to stagnant fares amid rising fuel costs.
- Questionable Leadership: The appointment of TransPeshawar’s first CEO, Fayyaz Ahmad, was flagged for lacking required qualifications, raising concerns about administrative oversight.
- READ MORE: NAB Recovers Rs. 168.5 Billion in Peshawar BRT Case
TransPeshawar Pushes Back
TransPeshawar has previously dismissed similar audit findings, claiming compliance with regulations and disputing the reported losses.
However, the AGP’s latest report intensifies scrutiny on the project, which was meant to revolutionize urban transport in Peshawar but has instead become a lightning rod for criticism.Public Outrage Grows
The revelations have sparked outrage among Peshawar residents, who rely on the BRT for affordable transport.
“We trusted this project to make our lives easier, but it’s just a black hole for public money,” said local commuter Ayesha Khan. Analysts warn that the findings could erode public confidence in government-led infrastructure projects.
What’s Next?
The audit report has been submitted to the provincial government, with calls for immediate investigations and accountability. Authorities have yet to announce concrete steps to address the irregularities or recover the lost funds. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on TransPeshawar and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to explain how one of Pakistan’s most ambitious transit projects went so wrong.
