LAHORE: Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for an independent audit of the free flour distribution scheme after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi alleged massive corruption in the program.
In a tweet on Saturday, Naqvi stated, “Baseless allegations by some PML-N leaders regarding the ‘Free Atta Scheme’ in Punjab are being put to an independent audit in the interest of transparency and financial prudence.”
To ensure accountability, the interim CM announced that the audit would be conducted through both the Auditor General Pakistan (AGP) office and a private international audit firm of established repute. Additionally, Naqvi revealed that a request had been sent to the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate the scheme for potential irregularities.
Abbasi’s Allegations
Earlier, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi accused the federal and provincial governments of embezzling Rs20 billion from the Rs84 billion subsidy allocated for the free flour distribution initiative during Ramadan. Speaking at a ceremony in Lahore, the former prime minister said, “The country’s system has become so corrupt and outdated that it cannot deliver.”
Abbasi questioned the outcomes of the subsidy, alleging that the poor had not benefited as intended. “More than Rs20 billion were stolen in the government’s free flour scheme,” he claimed, further criticizing the bureaucracy and calling for greater transparency.
Government’s Response
Both the federal government and Punjab’s caretaker setup have strongly denied Abbasi’s claims. Federal Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb defended the scheme, asserting that millions of underprivileged citizens in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Islamabad had received free flour during Ramadan with “full transparency and honesty.”
Aurangzeb highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally monitored the distribution process, visiting various flour distribution points across the country to ensure its effectiveness.
Ensuring Transparency
CM Naqvi emphasized that the independent audit and NAB investigation would address any concerns about corruption and ensure that the program’s funds were used for the intended purpose. “We are committed to maintaining transparency and will not tolerate any misuse of public funds,” Naqvi stated.
The audit aims to restore public trust in government-led welfare initiatives and to identify any potential lapses or misconduct in the execution of the free flour distribution scheme.