Speaking at Pak-China audit seminar, the minister stated that primary responsibility of any government is to ensure that public tax money is utilised in a transparent and prudent manner and this can only be ensured by auditor general through effective audit of the money allocated to the public sector institutions. "People of Pakistan pay taxes and it is our responsibility to utilize each penny honestly," he added
The minister further stated that the federal government believes in autonomy and independence of institutions but also wants accountability at all stages of the government and asked the AGP to utilise its full potential to ensure better utilisation of public funds through their effective audit. The minister also emphasised on improvement of audit system.
Umar was of the view that full potential of the AGP has remained unutilised and he wants it to perform its functions independently and must not come under pressure. The minister said, "We must learn lessons from Chinese experiences of curbing corruption at the grassroots level."
The finance minister said that the role of Chinese audit system has been very import to eliminate corruption and Pakistan can benefit from the Chinese audit system.
He further stated that China had ensured through its actions in the last decade that every penny of the people''s money was spent honestly. He stated that despite high economic growth, the Chinese have been very active against the corrupt elements and have taken stern action against them.
The minister promised that public sector institutions will be given more autonomy and independence and stated that Pakistan''s judiciary is the latest example in this regard. The minister also supported private-public partnership (PPP) role in promoting financial development and stated that the government is considering setting up Public Private Partnership Authority.