In a startling revelation, it has been alleged that aid from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), originally intended for Pakistan’s flood victims, was redirected to assist disaster-hit regions in Turkey and Syria.
Audit officials revealed that in 2023, the ADB’s Country Director had sought a detailed report on the utilization of funds—yet no report has been submitted to date.
This claim surfaced during an audit report presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
During the PAC meeting, Parliamentary Leader Aamir Dogar raised concerns over whether the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had the authority to allocate foreign aid to other countries. Responding to this, the NDMA chairman clarified that assistance for “brotherly nations” was drawn from Pakistan’s emergency stockpiles, which were later replenished.
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Opposition Leader Umar Ayub expressed alarm over the improper use of grants and loans, emphasizing that such actions erode donor trust and jeopardize future aid. He also demanded accountability from the Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division for the alleged mismanagement of ADB funds.
Criticism poured in from various leaders, including PPP’s Shazia Mari, who condemned the diversion of funds meant for Pakistan’s flood victims. PTI leader Riaz Fatyana further highlighted that, even after two years, clearance from the ADB remains unresolved.
