A startling revelation has emerged from the latest audit of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The audit report, covering the fiscal year 2023–24, found significant discrepancies in the department’s vehicle records. According to the official documents, only 97 vehicles were accounted for by the department. However, data from the Excise Department tells a different story, listing an additional 80 vehicles registered under the Director General of Livestock that are missing from the department’s records.
This gap in the official listings and the Excise Department’s registrations has raised pressing concerns regarding asset management, transparency, and accountability within the department. The audit specifically examined vehicles purchased between 2007 and 2021 for various livestock development projects, making the findings particularly alarming given the extended timeline.
Details on the Missing Vehicles
The missing vehicles are not only absent from the department’s records but are also physically missing from field offices. Among the unaccounted-for vehicles are 10 Suzuki Wagon-Rs, one Suzuki Bolan, one Toyota Gli, and nine Toyota Hilux trucks. Additionally, there are 59 vehicles whose models have yet to be identified, further complicating efforts to track them.
What adds to the gravity of the situation is the fact that these vehicles are officially registered but were never found during field inspections. This suggests the possibility of theft, unauthorized use, or gross negligence in maintaining government assets. The report warns that these vehicles may now be in the possession of unauthorized individuals, which could have serious financial and security implications for the province.
Administrative Lapses and Lack of Accountability
The audit report attributes the disappearance of these vehicles to weak administrative controls within the Livestock and Dairy Development Department. Despite the scale of the discrepancy, the department did not provide any response when the issue was raised in December 2024. Furthermore, a departmental accounts committee meeting, requested in January 2025 to address the issue, had not been convened by the time the audit report was finalized.
The lack of prompt response and action on the part of the department has only fueled suspicions and heightened public concern. The silence from the department suggests a lack of urgency in addressing potential mismanagement or corruption within its ranks.
Government Action and Public Reaction
Reacting to the audit’s findings, Fazal Hakim, Provincial Minister for the KP Livestock Department, stated that recovery letters have been issued. He also announced the formation of an inquiry committee, headed by the Secretary of Livestock, tasked with locating the missing vehicles and holding those responsible to account. The committee will be responsible for tracing the vehicles and identifying individuals involved in their disappearance or misuse.
The public response to the audit report has been marked by calls for greater transparency and accountability. Civil society organizations and political figures have demanded that similar audits be conducted across other government departments to uncover potential mismanagement and prevent future lapses. This incident has become a rallying point for those advocating for improved oversight and stricter controls over public assets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
Broader Implications for Government Asset Management
The case of the missing vehicles in the KP Livestock and Dairy Development Department has sparked a broader debate on the management and oversight of government assets. With tens of millions of rupees invested in public vehicles for development projects, the loss or misuse of these resources not only undermines public trust but also affects the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations.
There is now increased pressure on provincial authorities to strengthen administrative controls, improve record-keeping, and ensure timely audits across all departments. Such measures are seen as essential for restoring confidence in the management of public resources and ensuring that government assets are used for their intended purposes.
