Senate Committee uncovers allegations of corruption in federal housing project

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (SABAH): In a pivotal meeting of the Senate Functional Committee for Less Developed Areas, chaired by Agha Shahzeb Durrani, serious allegations surrounding the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) project were brought to light. The committee is currently investigating claims of misappropriation involving a staggering Rs 1 billion 40 crore, linked to a contractor accused of submitting fake bank statements.

During the session, Chairman Durrani emphasized the shocking revelation that the land for the project was never owned by the Authority. “Despite this, the project director disbursed full amount of the contract,” he stated, questioning the actions of NESPAK, the project management firm. “How did NESPAK proceed without ownership of the land, and what assurances were given for this project?”

The committee expressed its dissatisfaction over the absence of the Housing Minister and Secretary, urging immediate action. A letter will be dispatched to address this issue, and the Secretary of Housing and Works has been summoned to provide clarification.

Additionally, the committee took decisive steps against misconduct within the ministry. “Such fraud is rampant in projects across the board,” remarked Senator Denash Kumar, advocating for the immediate termination of those involved. The committee called for a thorough investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into the fraud and demanded a report within 30 days.

In a related discussion, the committee emphasized that National Bank of Pakistan should improve make efforts to improve its services in the less developed areas like. It was noted that over Rs 23 billion in loans have been provided, resulting in the opening of 140,000 new accounts this year. The chairman committee also advocated the role of female employment in the National Bank by 25 pc. Similarly he said that female accounts holder should be equivalent. Additionally he said that employee from the less developed areas like Balochistan should also be send at key positions abroad. The chairman committee also sought report of the Auditor General at its earliest and make clarifications.

The meeting was attended by, Senator Falaz Naz, Senator Danesh Kumar. Senior officials of other relevant departments were also in attendance