Rawalpindi (PR): Under the guidance of Secretary Defence Lieutenant General (R) Muhammad Ali Hilal Imtiaz and through the visionary efforts of DG ML&C Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik Hilal Imtiaz (Military), the Military Lands & Cantonments Department has launched a comprehensive Internal Audit Framework for Cantonment Boards. This initiative marks a significant and transformative step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
While external audits have already been conducted under the Directorate General Audit, Defence Services (DGADS), the need for an internal auditing system had long been recognized to:
Enable timely corrective actions,
Reduce the number of observations during external audits, and
Ensure transparent and standardized auditing procedures across all boards.
The new framework has been designed with the following key objectives:
1. Ensuring transparency and uniformity in auditing procedures.
2. Accountability at all levels of field offices.
3. Early detection and correction of irregularities and unnecessary practices.
For this purpose, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed under the leadership of the highly capable Director, Dr. Saima Shah, which provides clear guidelines for conducting inspections and audits fairly and effectively. This initiative has standardized procedures across all Cantonment Boards and ensured strict adherence to rules and regulations.
The Military Lands & Cantonments Department emphasizes that this framework is not merely a guideline but a commitment to:
Restoring public trust,
Establishing financial discipline, and
Delivering effective results at the grassroots level.
Through this internal audit framework, any deficiencies, irregularities, or unlawful practices can be identified and rectified at an early stage, strengthening the financial systems of Cantonment Boards and helping achieve optimal outcomes.
This initiative will not only streamline the auditing process but also enhance the overall performance and credibility of Cantonment Boards, further improving their role in public service delivery and good governance.
