LAHORE - The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has sent a notice to Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif asking him to appear before the anti-graft body’s combined investigation team (CIT) on January 22 to record his statement in a case of the alleged misuse of power in matters concerning Punjab Land Development Company, causing a loss of Rs 1,065 million.
It was sent on four addresses of the chief minister: 7-Club Road, 96-H, 180-H and 181-H Model Town, Lahore.
The notice says the inquiry against management, officers/ officials of the Punjab Developers, Lahore Development Authority and others has revealed that prima facie as chief minister he ordered various actions without lawful authority and in sheer violation of the laid down procedures for the functioning of the PLDC. Also, it said that as chief minister he unlawfully assumed the functions of the Board of PLDC, which resulted in huge loss to national exchequer.
“You ordered cancellation of award of contract of Aashiana-e-Iqbal to successful bidder M/S Ch Latif and Sons, leading to award of contract to M/S Lahore Casa Developers, a proxy group of M/S Paragon City (Pvt) Limited which resulted in approximately a loss of Rs 193 million.
“You directed PLDC to assign the project of Aashiana-e-Iqbal to Lahore Development Authority, resulting in the award of contract to M/S Lahore Casa Developers, thus causing a loss of Rs 715 million approximately.
“You directed PLDC to award consultancy services of Aashiana-e-Iqbal project to M/S Engineering Consultancy Services Punjab for Rs 192 million approximately whereas actual cost was Rs 35 million as quoted by NESPAK.”
The NAB is conducting the inquiry under the provisions of NAO, 1999.
Issued by Additional Director (Staff) Khawar Ilyas, the notice calls upon the chief minister to appear before the CIT at 10.30am along with original CNIC and complete record.
It may be pointed out that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam, son-in-law Capt Safdar are already facing cases in accountability courts.
Former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who has been in London for the past some months, has already been declared a proclaimed offender.
