ISLAMABAD - Senate standing committee on industries Thursday summoned Federal Investigation Agency officials to brief the committee regarding investigation of massive corruption in Utility Stores Corporation Quetta.
The detailed audited accounts and computerisation status of the department were also sought in the next meeting.
The regional management of USC was also directed to attend the next meeting.
The officials apprised the members that out of total 119 cases, 116 are under investigation of FIA while three are being investigated by NAB.
Officials said regional manager Tahir Lashari did not sign the transactions during 2008 to 2009 and due to this more than Rs 30 million were embezzled.
Discussing the privatization of Heavy Electrical Complex, officials said it is the only facility to produce classified equipment. Employees have been fully protected in the process of privatization. It is presently manufacturing transformers for WAPDA and K-Electric.
With the permission of Prime Minister SPD is managing the complex.
This year 54 transformers have been produced.
Peoples Party's senator Taj Haider opposed the privatization of HEC and said out of 169 privitised factories only 20 were operational while remaining were turned into residential and commercial plots.
Members were of the view that instead of selling this strategic asset it should be revived and it could become very profitable under China-Pak Economic Corridor if planned properly.
The officials said it is the fifth attempt to sell the complex.
The members expressed dissatisfaction over the non supply of urea in FATA at official rates. They observed that due to absence of supply agency a bag of urea is being sold for Rs 2300. Senator Bari Ram said if ban on import is lifted urea bag can be sold for Rs 800.
National Fertilizer Corporation officials said there are 2402 agencies in the country and a stock if 1.6 million tones urea.
Taking notice of delayed delivery of cars by local assemblers, company directed Engineering Development Board to ensure delivery of new cars especially Honda within 60 days of booking.
