RAWALPINDI: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, has swiftly responded to allegations of embezzlement involving millions of rupees in the recovery of billboards.
He has directed responsible officials from the District Council to provide a detailed record explaining the basis for recovering funds without a proper tender or contract.
In a proactive move, the DC, who also serves as the Administrator of the District Court, has instructed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning), Rameesha Javed, to conduct an investigation into the matter and submit a comprehensive report by Saturday.
On Friday, the DC halted the ongoing recovery of billboards within the jurisdiction of the District Council.
He also ordered close monitoring of Raja Muhammad Hafeez, an Assistant Superintendent in the District Council who oversees issues related to tax collection on billboards.
Notably, this marked the first instance in the history of District Council Rawalpindi that officers were conducting the recovery of more than 1,000 billboards without proper tender or contract.
This recovery process had been ongoing for over seven months without adherence to proper procedures.
Additionally, numerous billboards were erected within housing societies under the jurisdiction of the District Council, from which substantial amounts were being collected in the name of recovery.
Cheema emphasized his commitment to addressing this serious issue and pledged to hold accountable any officer found involved in corrupt practices.
Moreover, he appointed Rameesha Javed to lead the investigation and assured that a detailed report on the matter would be submitted within 24 hours.
The DC stated that the collection of funds without a proper tender or contract is unacceptable and that the process will be rectified through a transparent open auction.
Moreover, the existence of over 1,000 illegally installed billboards within the District Council’s jurisdiction posed not only a threat to pedestrians and motorists but also resulted in significant revenue losses for the authorities.
According to the Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA), collecting taxes on billboards without proper tender or contract is deemed illegal.
Any such recovery activity undertaken without proper procedures would be considered an unauthorized practice, as highlighted by PHA officials.
Rameesha Javed expressed astonishment at the irregularities and indicated that she has directed District Council officers to provide a detailed report on tax collection from billboards.
She noted that understanding how revenue was collected without adhering to proper tendering and contractual practices is a matter of concern.
Besides, Fazal-e-Akram, Chief Officer of District Council Rawalpindi, acknowledged that recoveries had been made from billboards, but assured that proper papers for tendering and contracting are ready and will be published shortly.
He also stated that they have independently collected revenue from billboards.
Some billboard owners, speaking anonymously, claimed that there might be a covert collaboration between billboard owners and government officers.
They accused the District Council officers of hindering proper tendering processes, suggesting a preference for running matters without following due tendering procedures.
Source: The News
You gyz wont b able to get rid of this billboard cos these are belong to AL CAPONE….thay are untouchable….i m telling u or find for real.
Officers of corrupt nation…
From head to toe, whole country corrupt
This is all public stunt by casteist cheema to increase bribe rate. A person not loyal to his religion still using idol worshipers cast with Muslim name can never be trusted and cannot be loyal with public.
Talal Packers And Movers Karachi Pakistan Offered House Relocation Services Karachi To Lahore Islamabad Multan Rawalpindi Faisalabad
It is concerning to observe the lack of accountability and action in response to the recent allegations of embezzlement in Rawalpindi. The Deputy Commissioner’s initiative to seek a detailed record from the District Council regarding the questionable recovery of funds is a step in the right direction.
However, it is disheartening that despite these allegations, it appears that no one is being held responsible, and there is a noticeable absence of decisive actions being taken. The appointment of Additional Deputy Commissioner Rameesha Javed to conduct an investigation is commendable, but the urgency of the matter demands swifter action.
Transparency and accountability are crucial in such cases to uphold public trust and ensure that public funds are being utilized appropriately. It is essential that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and promptly, and the comprehensive report expected by Saturday is eagerly awaited.
Citizens deserve to see a fair and just resolution to this situation. The responsible authorities must demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law and addressing allegations of embezzlement without delay.