ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Housing and Works has undertaken a significant move by relieving 7 officials from their positions within the estate office.
According to sources, these officers have been instructed to report to the ministry regarding their alleged involvement in an illegal housing allotment scam and cases of mal-administration.
Alongside these officials, two alleged private agents, including a head constable of the Islamabad police, Muhammad Anwar, have also faced restrictions preventing their entry into the Estate Office.
The ministry has also mandated that the attendance of the dismissed employees be recorded thrice daily in the EO Section of the Ministry.
The actions taken are a result of the keen attention given by Secretary H&W to complaints and irregularities emerging from the Estate Office.
It has been brought to light that Muhammad Ayub, Deputy Director of Estate BS-18, had assumed the powers of the Director General’s position without the proper authority, thereby violating official protocol.
Furthermore, the office has been issuing allotments without the necessary delegated powers and without adhering to the AAR, 2002, and General Waiting List.
The ministry’s action is also influenced by certain reported irregularities in the eviction and vacation procedures, with the involvement of various Estate Office officials who have been implicated in misconduct.
Besides, the ministry has previously instructed the Estate Office to ensure that allotments are issued only with the approval of the joint secretary (Estate) and Deputy Secretary (Estate), a directive that has not been adhered to.
These reported irregularities have led to a surge in court cases related to the Estate Office and an increase in personal hearings within the ministry.
This situation has cast a negative light on the ministry’s reputation in the eyes of the general public and particularly within the legal arena.
Source: DailyTimes
