Pakistan, June 12 -- An audit report by the Auditor General for 2023-24 revealed that Punjab withheld over 20 billion rupees meant for farmers' development. The report states this is a clear violation of the Development Surcharge Rules of 1964, which mandate proper use of these funds for agricultural projects.

The Finance Department failed to release these funds to District Coordination Officers responsible for managing local development projects. As a result, essential agricultural and rural development initiatives at the district level faced severe delays and setbacks.

The audit also found irregular payments made by district accounts officers without proper authorization. Specifically, Faisalabad's officer disbursed 5.52 million rupee...