The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to tighten procedures for the release and recording of public funds to improve financial discipline and ensure strict compliance with approval requirements.
The provincial Finance Department has prohibited the entry of funds into the SAP (SAP/SEIP) system without prior approval from the competent authority. Officials and employees responsible for delays, negligence or violations of the prescribed rules will face disciplinary action.
According to the Finance Department, standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued to regulate the release and recording of funds. Under the new instructions, no funds can be entered into the system without prior approval or formal advice from the authorised authority.
The department has also made it mandatory to follow the prescribed formats for releasing funds under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) and the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The document states that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against officials who delay the release of funds or violate the established procedures. The measures are intended to ensure that public money is released through a transparent and properly authorised process.
The Finance Department has further directed officials to monitor the release and expenditure of both development and current budget funds on a daily basis. Approval from the competent authority will be compulsory for the release and reallocation of development funds.
Even in urgent cases, officials will be required to obtain prior approval from the finance secretary or another authorised officer before releasing funds. The department has made it clear that the emergency release facility cannot be used to bypass the prescribed approval process.
Under the new instructions, development and current budget funds must be entered into the SAP system on the date their release is approved. If an entry is delayed, the relevant official will have to record a valid explanation for the delay.
The revised procedures are aimed at strengthening oversight of government spending, preventing unauthorised fund entries and ensuring timely compliance with financial regulations across the province.
