The Military Lands and Cantonments Department has launched a comprehensive internal audit framework for cantonment boards aimed at improving transparency, accountability and operational efficiency across all boards. The initiative is intended to enable timely corrective action, reduce objections in external audits and strengthen financial discipline and public trust in cantonment governance.
The new framework was initiated under the direction of Secretary Defence Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ali and through the leadership of Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik, Director General of Military Lands and Cantonments. While external audits will continue to be conducted by the Directorate General Audit, Defence Services, the department said an internal system has long been needed to detect and address problems early and to ensure consistent compliance.
The framework is built around clear objectives: uniform and transparent auditing procedures, accountability at every level of field offices, early identification and correction of irregularities and unnecessary processes, and overall improvement of operational systems. These goals are intended to reduce the number of audit objections during external reviews and to enable faster remedial action when problems are found.
Headquarters developed a Standard Operating Procedure under the leadership of Director Dr Saima Shah to provide clear, fair and effective inspection and audit methods. The SOP standardizes procedures across all boards and sets out the steps inspectors and auditors should follow to ensure consistent application of rules and regulations.
Officials said the internal audit framework is more than guidance; it represents a commitment to restoring public confidence, enforcing financial discipline and delivering measurable improvements at the local level. By enabling early detection of deficiencies, malpractices, irregularities or illegal activities, the system is expected to make corrective measures more effective and timely.
The department added that strengthening internal checks and balances will make cantonment boards’ financial systems more robust and improve outcomes through better compliance with established rules. The move is expected to streamline audit processes, enhance overall performance and reputation of cantonment boards, and reinforce their role in delivering public services and good governance.
