Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its second meeting on Monday constituted a sub-committee to probe the alleged irregularities carried out in three mega projects, including the New Islamabad International Airport (IIA), Grand Hayat Hotel Islamabad and Royal Palm Golf and Country Club.

PAC Chairman and Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said that the sub-committee would investigate the alleged irregularities and submit details to the PAC for further directions.

The auditor general of Pakistan told the committee that the New Islamabad International Airport project was initiated in 2008 with an initial cost of Rs 37 billion with 30 months completion period. However, the project was completed in 2018 with a total outlay of Rs 105.911 billion, much higher than the original cost.

The committee was also informed that three inquiries pertaining to the project had been held. Shehbaz said that all inquiry reports should be distributed among PAC members.

The other mega project was Grand Hyatt Hotel, a five-star hotel allotted to M/s B.N.P Group in March 9, 2005, on a plot measuring 13.45 acres (65,098 square yards) under Rs 4.882 billion lease. But later the lease was re-scheduled in 2007 and then again in 2012. The PAC regretted that the lease was given for construction of the five-star hotel but the said project was converted into a residential scheme. The PAC chief directed distribution of the inquiry reports on the project among committee members.

The PAC also ordered a probe into the alleged irregularities in Royal Palm Golf and Country Club project where according to the auditor general of Pakistan several irregularities had been observed. The PAC also hand over the project to the sub-committee to probe it and submit a report to the main committee.

PAC Chairman Shehbaz said that six sub-committees of the PAC would be formed soon. The chairman also postponed briefing from the NAB on different cases.

Members of the PAC were of the view that institutions had failed to deliver as there was not a single case in the PAC, which might be reached to logical conclusion. “We should devise a plan to finalise cases,” they maintained.

The PAC asked to ensure legislation for Auditor General of Pakistan Act so that the department might be strengthened. The PAC assured full support to the auditor general.

Published in Daily Times, January 1^st 2019