RAWALPINDI:
After taking up additional charge as Director General of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak took note of the billion-rupee mega financial scandal that occurred in the past.
According to officials, it has announced an agenda aimed at restoring the image of the organization through image enhancement measures, good governance, public-friendly environment, resolution of employee issues, mandatory biometric attendance and a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and corrupt practices.
They said that following the resignation of former RDA director general Kaniza Murtaza on Monday, Rawalpindi commissioned engineer Aamir Khattak visited the RDA office, took up additional charge as director general and chaired his first meeting with officials. The meeting was attended by RDA Additional Director General Muhammad Anwar Baran, all directors, deputy directors, engineers and other officials.
Addressing the meeting, the commissioner stated that, working as a team, the main priority was to restore the damaged credibility of the institution. Image building and good governance will continue to be its main priorities. He directed that citizens’ complaints be addressed promptly and all pending issues be resolved without delay. He further announced that the attendance of all officials and employees would now be strictly ensured through the biometric system.
The Commissioner made it clear that corruption and corrupt practices would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that a zero tolerance policy had been implemented with immediate effect. He also ordered strict implementation of the Punjab government’s directions regarding development, beautification and improvement, stating that open manholes would not be tolerated within the GDR-controlled area.
It is necessary to guarantee security measures at the works, he added.
He directed the Additional Director General of the GDR to provide vehicles to officers and field staff and compile progress reports of all departments.
It is pertinent to note that former GDR DG Kaniza Murtaza was removed from her post by the Punjab Chief Secretary on January 31. During his tenure, more than Rs 2 billion was allegedly transferred from the official account of the GDR to the accounts of various companies and individuals through demand deposit receipts (CDR). Furthermore, millions of rupees were allegedly misappropriated from the security account of GDR contracts. According to GDR regulations, the signing authority in financial matters lies solely with the DG GDR and the director of finance.
In this regard, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has sought details of properties owned by former GDR director general Kaniza Murtaza, eight former director generals, the director of administration and finance and a total of 48 persons from CDA Islamabad and development authorities of Lahore, Gwadar, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Malir.
Currently, the GDR faces the challenge of 143 illegal housing schemes in full operation. Meanwhile, an inquiry committee constituted by the Punjab chief secretary has been probing the financial scandal for the last ten months, but its report is yet to be made public.
