The Chairman Board of Directors of the Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company (Punjab Cattle Market Management and Development Company), Muhammad Ibrahim Tariq Shafi, has responded to allegations of financial irregularities linked to Eid-ul-Azha cattle markets, terming the audit observation a misunderstanding of the company’s contracting model.
His remarks come after reports citing the Auditor General of Pakistan flagged alleged irregularities and recommended recovery of Rs 839.2 million related to cattle market operations during the Eid-ul-Azha period.
Audit para and allegations explained
The controversy stems from an audit observation by the Auditor General for the fiscal year 2022–23, which suggested that contractors operating cattle markets during Eid-ul-Azha should have made additional payments to the company for the temporary surge in business activity.
According to the audit, cattle markets remain operational for around ten days during Eid, and the observation raised concerns over whether additional revenue should have been collected beyond annual contract amounts.
Responding to these claims, Chairman Muhammad Ibrahim Tariq Shafi clarified that cattle markets are outsourced on an annual basis, covering all operational periods throughout the year.
He stated that these contracts already include seasonal peaks, special events, and Eid-ul-Azha operations within the agreed bid amount.
Therefore, he said, no separate or additional payments are legally or contractually recoverable from contractors for Eid days.
The chairman further maintained that the allegation of unpaid or recoverable amounts is not consistent with the company’s procurement and outsourcing framework.
He emphasized that the bidding process is designed to factor in full-year revenue potential, including high-demand periods such as Eid-ul-Azha, when livestock markets naturally see increased activity.
Matter to be taken up in PAC
Muhammad Ibrahim Tariq Shafi added that the issue is expected to be discussed and settled in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where audit observations and departmental responses are formally reviewed.
He expressed confidence that the company’s position would be clearly presented and understood during the parliamentary oversight process.
Background
Earlier reports had alleged that financial irregularities worth hundreds of millions of rupees were identified in the management of Eid-ul-Azha cattle markets, including claims of lost revenue to the national treasury and improper extension of market operations.
However, the company has rejected these claims, maintaining that all operations were conducted under approved contractual arrangements.
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