FinMin Aurangzeb inaugurates data analytics centre to boost audit transparency

WEB DESK: Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb inaugurated the Centre for Government Data Analytics at the headquarters of the Auditor General of Pakistan, marking a key step towards digitising and strengthening the country’s audit and public finance systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Auditor General of Pakistan Maqbool Ahmed Gondal said the new data analytics centre would enhance transparency and efficiency in audits by shifting the focus from the number of audits conducted to the quality and impact of audit outcomes. He said institutional- and project-based audits would help improve governance and accountability across the public sector.

The auditor general said reforms related to the digital transformation of the audit system had already been introduced, adding that modern data analytics tools would significantly improve audit performance and effectiveness. He also noted that Pakistan was moving towards an accrual-based accounting system, with technical support from the World Bank.

During the event, the Controller General of Accounts briefed the finance minister on ongoing financial reforms, highlighting progress in line with the prime minister’s vision for a cashless and digitally enabled payment system. He said initiatives such as Raast, SAP HANA and online billing systems were being used to strengthen public finance management.

The auditor general reaffirmed his commitment to continuing reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability, stating that the government was actively implementing digital reforms to increase the speed and transparency of payment systems. He said all government payments were being gradually shifted to digital platforms to promote a cashless economy.

According to the auditor general, the expansion of modern digital payment systems like Raast would make financial transactions more transparent and traceable, leading to improved tax compliance and higher revenue collection. He added that strengthening the formal economy was central to the government’s economic policy, and that digital financial reforms were a key driver of economic recovery and public convenience.