NAB officials directed to probe societies related cases on priority

LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore Director General Shahzad Saleem has directed the officers to investigate all housing societies related cases on priority.

He issued the directives in this regard while chairing a Regional Board Meeting (RBM) here at NAB office, in which two inquiries were ordered.

According to a press release, an inquiry has been ordered against owners of Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society following receipt of 287 complaints regarding not handing over possession of homes, flats and plots to the claimants in spite of complete payments. The NAB Lahore earlier received 223 complaints, whereas, 64 new complainants have approached NAB Lahore seeking remedial to their losses.

It said total amount claimed by the claimants was approximately Rs 221.65 million so far, which had been forwarded to the subject society for redressal. An inquiry had been initiated against the administration of Khayaban-e-Amin Housing Society, it added.

The press release said the second Inquiry was authorized against Dr M Arshad, Director (Education) Punjab Workers Welfare Board (PWWB), officers/officials of Punjab Workers Welfare Board, and 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 subject persons did not allow all willing private companies to participate in the tender proceedings for summer/winter uniforms for the PWWB Schools for the year 2013-14," it added.

The NAB alleged, "Moreover, the rates approved in tenders were 130 percent higher than the tender from the previous year 2012-13 which allegedly caused a loss of Rs 100 million (approx) to the Board. The tenders were also awarded to the blue eyed contractors."