A parliamentary committee has sounded the alarm over major discrepancies in the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, ordering authorities to recover hundreds of missing devices within a month—or face financial penalties.
During a recent review, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed that 1,011 laptops distributed under Phase II of the scheme were reported lost or stolen. While 784 units have been recovered, 227 are still missing, representing an estimated loss of Rs. 12 million to the public exchequer.
Despite the scale of the issue, no disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible for the lapses.
HEC Scrutiny Narrows, But Gaps Remain
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), which oversees the distribution, has been under pressure to tighten its audit. Officials said the number of laptops previously flagged as missing from earlier records—initially reported as 179—has now been revised to 143 after reconciliation efforts.
Universities still facing scrutiny include Karachi institutions and Government Sadiq College Women’s University in Bahawalpur, where discrepancies persist.
PAC’s Ultimatum: Recover or Pay
Frustrated by delays, PAC members directed that all missing laptops be traced and retrieved within 30 days. If recovery efforts fail, the committee said, the losses will be recouped from those deemed responsible.
The incident has reignited criticism over weak oversight in government distribution schemes, particularly those involving high-value equipment meant for students.
