Islamabad, Aug 26: Startling information about the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) exorbitant expenditure on its former chairman and members was unearthed in a recent audit report by the country’s auditor general. The PTA has been giving its former executives millions in allowances in spite of the nation’s economic troubles.
According to the audit report, the PTA gave its former chairman and members over Rs. 11 million (about $70,000) in unapproved allowances in just one year. In addition to utilities, housing rent, medical, and Eid allowances, these payments also included gratuities and allowances for orderlies and specialists. There are questions about this extravagant spending, especially in light of the nation’s financial difficulties.
The audit report uncovered anomalies in former officials’ appointments and benefits. After their terms ended, the former chairman and members, who were appointed on MP-1 and MP-2 scales, were not eligible for any rewards. They did, however, get considerable compensation, including expertise allowances of Rs. 1.4 million, Eid bonuses of Rs. 2.87 million, gratuity payments of Rs. 3.3 million, and allowances of Rs. 3.37 million.
