The Punjab government hired helicopter services worth Rs. 160.3 million for rescue and relief operations during the 2025 floods, but official documents show the payment process has run into several procedural concerns.
The helicopters were acquired from a private company for a 17-day period, from August 28 to September 13, 2025, during the peak of the flood emergency.
Finance Department Questions Delay and Missing Verification
According to the documents, the Punjab Finance Department questioned why the payment and regularization process only began eight months after the services were provided, noting that the available record offered no clear explanation for the delay.
The department also flagged the absence of independent verification of the helicopters’ flying logs, meaning there was no outside confirmation of the actual flying hours the government was billed for.
Rates and Tax Implications Also Under Review
Questions were raised over the rates charged by the company as well, with the Finance Department noting that no independent assessment had been carried out to determine whether the pricing was reasonable or in line with prevailing market rates.
The department further noted that possible tax liabilities and other tax-related implications had not been properly factored in while processing the payment.
PPRA Says Emergency Rules Must Still Be Followed
The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) said direct contracting is permitted during emergencies, but stressed that the relevant legal provisions must be clearly identified and followed.
PPRA also said procuring agencies are expected to carry out market research and rate analysis even when procuring services under emergency conditions.
Chief Secretary Defends Emergency Hiring
The documents note that the Punjab Finance Department had already released Rs. 72.23 billion for flood rescue, relief, and rehabilitation activities. Despite funds being available, questions have persisted over the process used to hire the helicopter services and the way the payment was later regularized.
Punjab’s Chief Secretary maintained that the helicopters were hired under emergency circumstances and said payment for the services remains the provincial government’s responsibility.
According to the documents, the Rs. 160.3 million payment will now be considered only after the issues around delayed regularization, verification of flying hours, market-based rate assessment, and applicable tax obligations are examined.
