Secret billions paid to ISI by govt. remain a secret in Pak

Islamabad, Sept 22 (ANI): The Pakistan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly has reportedly been denied information about Rs 5.55 billion paid to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) during 2007-08 for its operations.

According to information provided by the finance division to the PAC, the amount was paid to the ISI as a supplementary grant.

When pressed for details, Finance Secretary, Salman Siddique opted to keep quiet.

"This is highly sensitive information and hence I can't talk about it at an open forum," The Dawn quoted Siddique, as saying.

Details provided only described the amount as "provision for relief during the financial year 2007-2008".

Meanwhile, Afzal Chan of the Pakistan People Party (PPP) said the funding for intelligence agencies was beyond anyone's comprehension.

PAC Chairman, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, said that he was being told by the finance secretary that strategic dictates had forced the government to make the payment and that the money had been provided in a lump sum. (ANI)