Islamabad: (RightNow) Financial irregularities exceeding PKR 222 billion have been uncovered in the Ministry of Communications. These discrepancies emerged during the fiscal year 2022-23.

According to the audit report, fraud and theft amounting to PKR 488 million were reported in 40 cases. Irregularities in recruitment were noted in 4 cases, involving PKR 2.73 billion.

The Pakistan Postal Services were permitted to fill vacant positions, resulting in 4,252 recruitments during the caretaker period. Among these, 314 individuals were hired on political grounds.

In 5 procurement cases, the treasury suffered a loss of PKR 3.26 billion. Unauthorized administrative dealings with commercial banks led to a loss of PKR 20.85 billion.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan Post opened more accounts than authorized. Transactions worth PKR 20 billion occurred in these accounts, with irregularities amounting to PKR 194.54 billion reported in 15 cases.