Punjab Finance Department has raised concerns over a Rs160.3 million bill for flood-related helicopter operations.
According to official documents, the Helicopter Service was hired during emergency rescue and relief activities across Punjab.
The services were acquired from M/s Askari Aviation (Private) Limited for 17 days. The aircraft was reportedly used between August 28 and September 13, 2025.
The hiring took place during an emergency flood situation when rescue and relief operations were underway across the province.
Finance Department Questions Payment Process
The Finance Department has questioned several aspects of the payment and regularization process.
One major concern involves the timing of the case. According to the documents, the payment process was initiated eight months after the services were provided.
The department said the available record did not provide a clear explanation for this delay. Questions were also raised over verification of the helicopter’s flying logs.
The documents reportedly lacked independent verification of the actual flying hours charged to the government. This means officials are examining whether the billed flying hours were independently confirmed before payment.
Helicopter Service Rates Under Scrutiny
The Finance Department has also questioned whether the rates charged were reasonable.
According to the documents, no independent assessment was provided to establish the market value of the Helicopter Service.
Officials also noted that relevant tax liabilities and implications were not properly considered during payment processing. These issues are now being reviewed before the Rs160.3 million payment is cleared.
PPRA Highlights Emergency Procurement Rules
The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority has also addressed the procurement process.
PPRA said direct contracting may be permitted during emergency situations. However, the relevant legal provisions must be clearly identified and followed.
The authority also stressed the importance of market research before determining prices for emergency services. Such an assessment can help establish whether the agreed rates match prevailing market conditions.
Punjab Had Released Funds for Flood Operations
Official documents show that the Punjab Finance Department had already released Rs72.23 billion for flood-related activities.
The funds covered rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations across the province. Despite the availability of funds, questions have emerged about the procedure used for hiring the helicopter.
The subsequent regularization process has also come under scrutiny. Punjab’s Chief Secretary has maintained that the services were obtained because of emergency circumstances.
The Chief Secretary also said payment for the Helicopter Service is the responsibility of the provincial government. The Finance Department is now examining the case before clearing the Rs160.3 million payment.
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The review includes flying records, market-based rates, delayed regularization and applicable tax obligations.
