Over 200 govt employees among Zakat recipients in Pakistan

A report issued by the Auditor General of Pakistan exposed irregularities of millions of rupees in Balochistan's Zakat Department, it emerged on Thursday.

The report revealed that from 2018 to 2022, a staggering Rs1.9 billion of Zakat funds remained undistributed among deserving individuals, according to sources.

In 2021-22, Rs10.16 million were disbursed to 1,382 beneficiaries, but alarmingly, these individuals were already receiving support from the Benazir Income Support Programme. 

This raises serious concerns about the department's efficiency and accountability.

The audit report also uncovered that 206 retired and serving employees received Zakat worth Rs6 million, while 14 high-ranking officers of grades 16 and 17 were also recipients of Zakat funds. 

Furthermore, the report exposed that between 2014 and 2022, Rs2 million of the Zakat Fund remained idle in banks, while the bank accounts of 11 local Zakat Committees were closed. 

The gross mismanagement of funds has severe implications for those genuinely in need.

In response to these findings, the Balochistan Assembly has submitted the audit report to the Public Accounts Committee for further investigation and action.