Grant of Special Allowance @100% to Private Secretaries–Finance Division Issues Clarification Notification

Finance Division Directs Review of Special Allowance for Private Secretaries:

The Finance Division (Regulation Wing) of the Government of Pakistan has issued a directive regarding the grant of Special Allowance @100% of basic pay to Private Secretaries. This directive, following observations made during proceedings at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat, aims to clarify the eligibility criteria and policy framework governing the allowance. It has been noted that while the Special Allowance-2023 was sanctioned for Private Secretaries of the Federal Secretariat, President’s Secretariat, and Prime Minister’s Office through Finance Division’s O.M. No. 15(5)R-2/2023-233 dated 30.05.2023, the same allowance is also being received by Private Secretaries in the Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan. The Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat has instructed the Finance Division to compile a comprehensive list of all departments, ministries, and divisions where Private Secretaries are drawing this allowance and to furnish the legal framework or policy under which it has been extended to the Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan. This step is essential to ensure financial transparency and compliance with the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s judgment dated 04.07.2024, which prohibits the continuation of allowances granted without lawful authority. Notification Describes;

F. No. 15(5)R-2/2023-27
Government of Pakistan
Finance Division
(Regulations Wing)

Islamabad, the 22^nd January, 2025

From

Saadia Kanwal
Section Officer (R-2)
Ph. 051-9245846

To

The Controller General of Accounts,
CGA
Government of Pakistan,
Islamabad

Subject :-       Grant of Special Allowance @100% to Private Secretaries

                              I am directed to refer to the subject noted above and to state that during the course of proceedings in Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat it was pointed out that Special Allowance-2023 was granted to Private Secretaries of Federal Secretariat, President’s Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Office vide Finance Division’s O.M. No.15(5)R-2/2023-233 dated 30.05.2023, however, the same allowance is being drawn by Private Secretaries of the office of Auditor General of Pakistan as well. Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat has directed:

1. To provide list of Departments/Ministries/Divisions whose Private Secretaries are receiving Special Allowance@100 of basic pay.
2. To furnish the rules/policy under which said allowance is being granted to Private Secretaries of o/o Auditor General of Pakistan.

2.                           Controller General of Accounts is requested to furnish above stated information. Furthermore, the payment (if any) of said allowance may be stopped fourth-with for the o/o Auditor General as Supreme Court of Pakistan vide its judgment dated 04.07.2024 has held that an allowance drawn without law full authority cant not be continued even on the principle of basis of Locus Poenitenciac.

Your’s faithfully,

Section Officer (R-2)

Conclusion:

In light of the directives from the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat and the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling, the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is requested to provide the necessary details regarding the disbursement of Special Allowance @100% of basic pay to Private Secretaries across various government entities. Additionally, any payments of the said allowance to the Private Secretaries in the Office of the Auditor General of Pakistan must be ceased immediately, as per legal directives. Ensuring adherence to lawful financial practices is imperative for maintaining fiscal discipline and transparency in government expenditures. This notification underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations and preventing any unauthorized financial benefits within the federal structure. The Finance Division urges the concerned authorities to respond promptly with the required information to facilitate informed decision-making and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

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