Allegations of financial mismanagement involving Rs99 million have emerged from the tenure of former Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
A report has detailed the potential misuse of funds within government schools in Dera Ghazi Khan during the fiscal year 2020-21, suggesting that expenditures were made without proper authorization from the relevant authorities.
The audit disclosed that the District Education Authority in Dera Ghazi Khan allegedly spent Rs99 million on furniture and other essentials without verifiable evidence of the purchases or deliveries. Despite inquiries from the Punjab Audit Department, the District Education Authority has yet to respond to or address these discrepancies.
On August 19, 2023, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) summoned Usman Buzdar in connection with an investigation into assets beyond his known sources of income. Buzdar must appear before the agency on August 30, along with additional documentation. Although the anti-graft body has summoned him eleven times, he has only made two appearances.
In addition to these allegations, Buzdar is also accused of favouritism in awarding contracts for a dam construction project in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Separately, the NAB Lahore office has initiated an inquiry into the appointments and transfers of government officials during Buzdar’s tenure as Chief Minister. The accountability watchdog is seeking complete records from the Services Department to scrutinize the legality of these administrative actions.
