A recent audit has revealed that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) caused a financial loss of Rs. 130 million to the national treasury due to the procurement of overpriced laptops under a federal initiative aimed at supporting students in higher education institutions across Pakistan.
The findings, published in a report by the Auditor General of Pakistan, highlight serious irregularities in the procurement process of laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme. According to the report, HEC bypassed cost-effective procurement options and opted for vendors that offered laptops at inflated rates, far above market value.
For instance, some devices were purchased for over Rs. 110,000 each, while similar specifications were available for Rs. 75,000 or less in the open market. The auditors also pointed out that bulk discounts were not negotiated, and proper tendering procedures were either mishandled or entirely skipped in certain phases of procurement.
Moreover, the laptops lacked after-sales service warranties and technical support, raising further concerns about the project’s planning and execution. The report holds senior officials of HEC accountable and recommends a comprehensive investigation, recovery of overpaid amounts, and strict enforcement of public procurement rules.
The revelation has sparked outrage among taxpayers and lawmakers alike, especially in light of Pakistan’s fragile fiscal condition and recurring budget deficits. Students and education advocates have also expressed disappointment, saying that funds could have been better used to improve digital access infrastructure rather than being lost to mismanagement.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is now expected to summon top HEC officials to explain the lapses and discuss measures to prevent such financial mishandling in future government-sponsored academic programs.
government audit Pakistan, higher education funding, public sector corruption
