Arrival of dignitaries: foreign Office yet to make payment to CDA

Despite the objection of federal audit authorities, Foreign Office (FO) has yet to pay over Rs 1,16.2 million to Capital Development Authority (CDA), which the civic agency had spent on the decoration of the metropolis during the arrival of foreign dignitaries to Pakistan in the last few years.
The cash strapped CDA has made several requests to Foreign Office in this regard but they have paid no heed to it, said an official of the civic agency. The high-ups of Foreign Office before the arrival of every foreign dignitary direct CDA to decorate the metropolis with photographs as well as flags. Under rules and regulations Foreign Office is bound to pay the amount spent by CDA but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to clear pending dues, the official added.
The amount is spent on decoration of roads, painting of government buildings, installation of flags and installation of picture of Prime Minister, President and foreign dignitary. It also includes arrangements of cultural shows for the entertainment of foreign guest, he added.
He said that the civic body hires different private companies for the purpose and pays them. The CDA's Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) has sent several letters to Foreign Office regarding the payment but they have yet to clear their bills. The official said that CDA spent over Rs 1.2 million on the decoration of the city during the recent visit of
President of Iran Muhammad Ahmadinejad and Afghan President Hamid Karzi. While Rs 7.43 million was spent by CDA during the visit of Saudi King. Similarly Rs 0.78 million was spent during the arrival of President of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rs 22 million on the visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Rs 1.03 million was spent during the visit of President of United State of America (USA), Rs 0.23 million on the visit of President of Sri Lanka, Rs 0.31 million on the visit of Prime Minister of Yemen. Furthermore, the CDA also spent Rs 3.654 million on decorations on the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Rs 23 million on visit of President of Uzbekistan, he said.
CDA had spent huge amount on the decoration of city on the occasion of last South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC) conference, which is yet to be cleared by the Foreign Ministry. For last few years, the Foreign Office has also increased protocol services, the official added.