The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is facing tough questions after a recent audit exposed the misuse of nearly Rs. 1.8 billion meant for flood awareness campaigns. According to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), only Rs. 160 million of the Rs. 1.95 billion grant was actually spent on informing the public about flood risks. The rest was redirected to promote unrelated government initiatives, a clear breach of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) guidelines.

Lawmakers slammed the ministry’s lack of accountability, noting its failure to hold timely Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meetings. PAC has now ordered a full re-evaluation of the audit in DAC sessions.

Adding fuel to the fire, a member of the committee also revealed that regular staff at Pakistan Television (PTV) have gone unpaid for six months, even as external media personalities continue to receive generous compensation.