The Audit Process in Public Sector Organizations in Pakistan Involves Multiple Stages
The Audit Process in Public Sector Organizations in Pakistan Involves Multiple Stages
accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. Below is a detailed explanation of the process,
highlighting the roles of the DG Audit, DAC, SDAC, and PAC.
The DG Audit is responsible for conducting audits of public sector organizations. The process includes:
Audit Planning:
The DG Audit office prepares an annual audit plan, identifying areas of focus based on risk
assessments, government priorities, and previous audit findings.
Field Audits:
Audit teams visit organizations to review financial records, processes, and compliance with rules
and regulations.
o Document Review: Examination of budgets, financial statements, and procurement
records.
o Interviews and Inspections: Meetings with officials and physical verification of assets.
Draft Audit Report (DAR):
The audit findings are compiled into a draft report, highlighting irregularities such as
mismanagement, non-compliance, or waste of resources. This is shared with the concerned
department for comments.
After the DG Audit finalizes the initial findings, the next step is the DAC meeting, where audit
observations are discussed:
Composition:
Typically chaired by the administrative head of the audited organization, with representatives
from the audit team, financial advisors, and relevant officials.
Purpose:
To provide the department an opportunity to clarify, defend, or resolve the audit observations.
o If explanations are satisfactory, observations may be dropped.
o Unresolved issues are escalated to the next level.
Outcome:
A report summarizing resolved and unresolved issues is prepared.
SDAC meetings are convened for high-priority or sensitive audit issues that require specialized attention.
Composition:
Senior officials from the department and the audit team, along with experts if needed.
Purpose:
To address significant or unresolved issues from the DAC meetings.
o This often includes large financial irregularities, systemic inefficiencies, or critical policy
violations.
Outcome:
Recommendations for further investigation or corrective action.
The PAC is a key parliamentary committee that reviews the audit reports submitted by the Auditor
General of Pakistan (AGP).
Composition:
Members of Parliament, usually chaired by a senior parliamentarian. The AGP, DG Audit, and
departmental representatives also participate.
Functions:
o Examination of Audit Reports: PAC scrutinizes unresolved audit observations and holds
public hearings.
o Accountability: Officials from audited departments are required to explain actions or
decisions.
o Recommendations: PAC can recommend recoveries, disciplinary actions, or systemic
reforms.
Follow-Up:
The PAC tracks the implementation of its recommendations to ensure compliance.
Summary of Workflow
1. DG Audit conducts field audits and prepares the Draft Audit Report.
2. DAC reviews and resolves issues at the departmental level.
3. SDAC handles sensitive or high-priority issues requiring specialized attention.
4. PAC provides final oversight, holding public hearings and ensuring accountability through
actionable recommendations.
This multi-layered process ensures a robust mechanism for fiscal discipline, compliance, and transparency
in public sector organizations in Pakistan.
The above explanation of the audit process in public sector organizations in Pakistan is a generalized
framework derived from publicly available information on auditing standards, government audit
procedures, and legislative practices in Pakistan. For specific and authoritative references, the following
sources can be consulted:
If you'd like, I can look up specific documents or reports related to these processes to provide direct
references. Let me know!