Press Release Title: Senator Rubina Qaim Khani, Convener Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety presiding over a meeting of the Sub-Committee at Bait-Ul-Mall, Islamabad

Press Release Date: 13th May, 2026

Senator Rubina Qaimkhani along with senators, Jan Muhammad and Dost Ali Jeesar convened the Senate Sub-Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, a high-level meeting on May 13, 2026 at Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) headquarters Islamabad to conduct a comprehensive administrative audit and policy review. This was the fourth meeting of the 2nd Phase. The primary objective of this meeting was the rigorous scrutiny of departmental appointments, long-term promotion strategies, and general policy matters to ensure institutional integrity. During the proceedings, the committee reviewed the legal framework of PBM as a body corporate established under the PBM Act of 1991, noting that the Managing Director and the Board hold the administrative and financial authority to prescribe service regulations and manage employee terms. However, the committee clarified that while the Board can exercise its legal authority, it cannot exceed the limits of the Rules of Business 1973 and the ESTA Code. Anything done beyond this framework is totally illegal. Addressing historical delays in career progression, the committee was informed that after a thirteen-year gap between Departmental Promotion Committees (DPC) held from 2005 to 2018, the Board opted to promote existing employees into vacant roles rather than hiring for new positions, resulting in the promotion of 80 employees in 2019. However, the sub-committee noted with grave concern allegations of 191 illegal promotions, including 189 Assistant Directors General cadre against so-called "dreamy seats" created in 2005, made during 2018-2023 by illegally creating promotion quotas. The committee observed that there is no rule that dreamy seats can be placed for promotion quota after a time period of 13-15 years. The committee further noted that there was no Supreme Court judgment validating the promotion of these 191 illegally promoted officers, and therefore the claim of a judicial order was misleading to the committee. It was further noted that Rs. 190 million was paid as illegal back benefits to these illegally promoted officers. The sub-committee observed additional financial irregularities, including Rs. 60 million paid as an illegal advance payment to a vendor without bidding documents, contract, or competent authority, and Quetta's 2024-25 audit report revealing corruption exceeding Rs. 68 crore. The committee also noted that officers with less than the prerequisite qualifications were hired, and appointments were made against advertised offers without proper criteria. Furthermore, stop-gap arrangements were made in violation of rules. The committee observed that the department is being run on the basis of likes and dislikes rather than merit and rules. Despite repeated directives, the department has yet to satisfy the committee on these matters. The sub-committee expressed grave concern regarding reports of a fake degree case within the organization and was briefed on an active inquiry initiated by the Ministry. It was confirmed that an inquiry report has been submitted, and the department is tasked with deciding the final penalty once the administrative process is complete. To prevent future occurrences, the committee directed the Managing Director of PBM to ensure that any cases of professional misconduct are dealt with decisively to set a firm precedent for the workforce. The committee further noted that Supreme Court judgments (Fakhar Majeed versus Government of Punjab, 2026 SCMR 107 and Ghulam Qadir Thebo versus Federation of Pakistan, Civil Petition No. 550-K of 2022) have been cited as being violated, and that Parliament's directives have been continuously disregarded. Concluding the session, the committee issued a directive for the immediate scrutiny of all employee degrees and supporting documentation to verify the credentials of the entire staff. Furthermore, the committee demanded a comprehensive report for the next meeting regarding the procurement of 1,000 sub-standard wheelchairs, noting that the main culprits have been identified in an ongoing inquiry. The chair emphasized that the ultimate goal of these oversight measures is to ensure total transparency and the responsible management of public money for the betterment of the citizens served by the institution. The committee further observed that the department is being run on likes and dislikes basis. It was announced that if the committee is not satisfied in the next meeting, formal references will be sent for special audit, forensic audit, and criminal investigation to the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Additionally, a final report will be submitted to the Standing Committee with recommendations for further proceedings.   The meeting was attended and briefed by the Secretary, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety, MD Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, and other senior officials.