A major audit report has revealed Rs1.17 billion irregularities in the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) during fiscal year 2023-24.
The report highlighted large-scale financial mismanagement across multiple revenue streams. It showed misuse of Rs103 million in fees collected from motorcycle stands, stalls, and NADRA’s issuance of birth, marriage, and death certificates.
The audit also exposed irregularities worth over Rs1.78 billion in shop rentals, lease renewals, and unauthorized property allocations. These lapses caused a massive loss to the exchequer.
According to the report, QMC failed to achieve its tax collection target. Against the fixed goal of Rs823 million, the corporation managed to collect only Rs36 million. This failure resulted in a loss of over Rs792 million.
The report further noted losses of Rs65.6 million due to the non-auction of petrol pumps. Renewals of hotel leases, including the well-known Imdad Hotel, were not done at market rates, causing more financial damage.
In another case, 51 out of 54 shops on Joint Road were left unleased. This negligence caused losses exceeding Rs34 million. On Prince Road, non-collection of rent from 50 shops and cabins cost the corporation Rs15 million.
The Bakra Peedi contract added another Rs14.5 million to the financial losses.
The report also pointed to irregular spending of Rs18.4 million during arrangements for a Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket match in Quetta.
The audit findings have been handed over to the Public Accounts Committee of the Balochistan Assembly. Lawmakers are expected to review the irregularities and demand accountability from officials responsible for financial mismanagement.
The revelations have sparked concerns about transparency and governance in one of Balochistan’s key civic bodies.
