Islamabad -  Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has admonished Member Engineering, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Shahid Sohail for not complying with his directions to repair streetlights in the capital.

According to the sources, some weeks back, PM had directed the authority to repair streetlights at the Expressway but CDA officials did not take the directions seriously and as ‘top most priority’.

A letter written by Prime Minister’s Office to Shahid Sohail, Member Engineering CDA on December 10, a copy of which is exclusively available with The Nation, states that the office letter of member engineering dated December 5, 2016 on the subject matter was placed before the Prime Minister who made serious observations.  The PM observed, “The plea taken in the matter is totally unacceptable, as the responsibility of the lighting system lies entirely on the shoulders of the CDA. Reasons contained in your letter regarding non-functioning of the lighting system are completely unsatisfactory. The letter should be thrown in the dustbin.”

The prime minister directed the Member Engineering that the lighting system of Islamabad be repaired by December 28, 2016, ensuring functioning of all lights, failing which the latter shall be held responsible, placed under suspension and disciplinary proceedings initiated against him.  Furthermore, a full-fledged enquiry committee shall carry out a detailed scrutiny of his negligence and mismanagement, the letter states.   

Following the displeasure shown by the PM, Chairman CDA Sheikh Anser Aziz, on December 13, served a show-cause notice on Member Engineering, Shahid Sohail and DG (E&M) CDA, Sohail Anjum.

“You, Shahid Sohail, Member Engineering CDA have absolutely failed in complying with the directions of the Prime Minister regarding repair and maintenance of the lighting system in Islamabad. You in your official capacity have misled the worthy Prime Minister, giving unjustified reasons and justifications with no solution to the problems as a whole. Resultantly, the PM has shown displeasure on the state of affairs being dealt under your supervision and conveyed adverse remarks on the overall efficiency of you and your core team, custodian of the overall lighting system of Islamabad”, reads the show-cause notice served on Member Engineering.

He has been directed to answer the show cause in writing within three days as to why a penalty, including the major penalty of ‘dismissal from service’ may not be imposed upon him.

DG (E&M) has also been called upon to show cause in writing within three days. Asif Jah, Director (E&M), CDA has also been served show-cause notice by DG Administration for his failing in complying with the directions of the Prime Minister regarding repair and maintenance of the lighting system in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Islamabad district administration inspected different hotels in Islamabad to check hygienic condition over there. Assistant Commissioners Kamran Cheema, Hassan Waqar Cheema, Ali Asghar and officials of district health office inspected the premises. Ramada Hotel was fined Rs 200,000 over expiry items and absence of emergency equipment. The hotel management was also issued summons for court proceedings.

Bakery and kitchen of Margalla was sealed for low wages to the workers and unhygienic conditions. The management was also served summon for court proceedings over water supply from contaminated water tank. Kitchen of Envoy Continental in Blue Area was sealed violation of labour laws. It was also fined Rs 200,000.