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Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday inaugurated the Center for Government Data Analytics at the headquarters of the Auditor-General of Pakistan, marking a significant step toward data-driven governance and enhanced financial accountability.
During the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the finance minister praised the establishment of the new center and emphasized the urgent need to adopt modern data analysis technologies across government institutions. He called for the use of machine learning, AI-based auditing tools, and automated bots to strengthen analytical functions within the public audit system. Aurangzeb also advised digitally integrating data from multiple public-sector databases to enable real-time access and analysis, stating that such measures would significantly expand audit coverage while improving transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Auditor-General of Pakistan Maqbool Ahmad Gondal, speaking on the occasion, highlighted a strategic shift in audit practices from quantity-focused reporting to quality-driven audits. He said the department is moving toward entity- and project-based audits, with an emphasis on constructive engagement and collaboration with auditable organizations. Gondal stressed that modern auditing is increasingly being used as a governance improvement tool rather than a purely compliance-based exercise.
Outlining ongoing reforms, the auditor-general detailed key digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of the Audit Management Information System, the launch of the Center for Government Data Analytics, and the adoption of advanced data analytics tools. He noted that the center aligns with the prime minister’s vision for broader digitalization of the economy and will play a critical role as Pakistan transitions toward a cashless public-sector ecosystem. As digital transactions increase, the center will access and analyze expanding data streams in real time to support more effective audits.
Controller General of Accounts Umar Ali Khan also briefed the finance minister on the mandate and performance of the CGA as Pakistan’s premier public financial management institution. He outlined achievements including progress toward a cashless and digital public-sector economy through initiatives such as the Micro Payment Gateway, Raast integration, online billing systems, migration to SAP HANA, and centralized high-performance server infrastructure. Khan added that Pakistan is also moving toward accrual-based accounting in line with international standards, with technical support from the World Bank.
Both the Auditor-General of Pakistan and the Controller General of Accounts reaffirmed their commitment to continued reforms, digitalization, and collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources.
The finance minister concluded by commending the Auditor-General’s office for its initiatives to promote good governance and transparency, calling the new analytics center a key milestone in modernizing Pakistan’s public financial oversight framework.
