The Ministry of Housing has presented its updated cost outlays to the Finance Division for the fiscal year 2022-23, asking for a total sum of PKR9.179 billion.

This information was shared by an official of the housing ministry who said that demands of the ministry have not been met by the Finance Division since the government is embarking on an austerity plan to save money. The Finance division has already specified a sum of PKR5,915 million for the housing ministry in its June budget allocations.

He said that the housing ministry may well have to wait for the next budget. Because of the austerity measures the Finance Division cut down PKR55.163 million in allocations to the housing ministry.

He added that no money has been spent on the maintenance and renovation of the Pak Secretariat Islamabad since it falls under the domain of Capital Development Authority (CDA). Similarly, no funds have been spent on the renovation of the ministry itself.

“The Finance Division has already slashed the budget while making allocations. Hence, no funds have been surrendered to Finance Division and all the funds allocated during 2021-22 in relevant heads are being utilized by the general section,” the official said.

“PWD has started the process of sending out notices to government accommodations in the sector I-9/4. It is important that people oblige by paying the outstanding bills of the electric meters for their water motors,” he added.

The official said that the Finance Division has allocated funds for payment of utilities in the relevant heads of accounts of the users. Utility bills of the residential accommodations, however, including hostels, rest houses and judicial residences, will be paid by the users themselves.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk