RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: US Consul General in Lahore Zachary Harkenrider and Additional Auditor General of Pakistan Javaid Jehangir inaugurated the opening session of a three-day workshop on audits of US Agency for International Development (USAID) projects. 

The workshop was jointly organized by the Department of Auditor General of Pakistan (DAGP) and USAID through its Assessment and Strengthening Program.

Consul General Harkenrider noted that the “United States’ partnership with the Department of Auditor General of Pakistan to conduct financial audits of USAID-funded projects has a significant impact on the effective implementation of the US development assistance to Pakistan.” 

In his inaugural speech, the Additional Auditor General of Pakistan, Javaid Jehangir, vowed for an enhanced partnership with USAID in furthering the department’s mission of promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the management and use of public resources.”

The purpose of the workshop is to develop a common understanding on financial management requirements and procedures for audits of USAID-funded projects in Pakistan which are performed by the DAGP. Senior representatives from the DAGP, USAID’s Office of Inspector General, Project Directors of many USAID projects, and 35 auditors from the DAGP attended the workshop.

The workshop provides a platform for officials from DAGP and USAID to better understand the financial management and specific reporting requirements for audits of USAID’s Government-to-Government programs.

The three-day workshop will conclude on July 23, 2016 with a determination for a strengthened partnership towards more efficient and effective public financial management in Pakistan.