Punjab CM announces independent audit of free flour scheme.

LAHORE: Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced holding an independent audit of the free flour scheme after ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi alleged that corruption worth billions of rupees occurred in the distribution of free flour to the deserving people in the holy month of Ramazan.

"Baseless allegations by some PML-N leaders regarding 'Free Atta Scheme' in Punjab being put to independent audit in the interest of transparency and financial prudence," he said in a tweet from his official handle.

He also added that the interim set-up decided to go for an immediate audit through Auditor General Pakistan (AGP) office, and simultaneously through a private audit firm of established international repute.

"Further, we have also sent a request to the Chairman NAB to check into the program to verify if anything of the sort has been done by any nefarious elements," the interim CM added.

Last week, Abbasi had claimed that Rs20 billion were embezzled from the federal and provincial government's free flour distribution scheme. Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, the ruling party leader said that the country's system has become "so corrupt and...