LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore Director General Shahzad Saleem on Saturday chaired a Regional Board Meeting (RBM) and authorised two inquiries to further tighten the noose around those involved in cases pertaining to illegal housing societies.
Addressing the meeting, NAB Lahore DG said that Chairman Justice (r) Javed Iqbal had issued directions to address all cases pertaining to housing societies on a priority basis. He also advised all officers to investigate cases while keeping any pressure aside.
As per the details, a direct inquiry has been authorised against owners of Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society following 287 complaints amounting to Rs221.65 million. The inquiry has been ordered after receiving several complaints about cheating public at large regarding the possession of homes, flats and plots and not handing them over to the claimants even after complete payments. The NAB Lahore earlier received 223 complaints, whereas, 64 new complainants have approached the bureau seeking remedial to their losses.
The second inquiry has been authorised against Punjab Workers Welfare Board (PWWB) Director (Education) Dr M Arshad, officers and officials of the board as well as Aurangzeb Enterprises, Ahmed Traders, Amin & Sons, Javed Enterprises and others.
The information gathered till date approves allegation of misuse of authority in the procurement of substandard uniforms for PWWB Schools in the year 2012-13. Complaint proceedings reveal that the accused did not allow all willing private companies to participate in the tender proceedings for summer and winter uniforms of the PWWB Schools for the year 2013-14. Moreover, the rates approved in tenders are 130% higher than the tender from the year 2012-13, which allegedly caused a loss of Rs100 million to the board. The tenders were also awarded to blue-eyed contractors.
