Daily Times

KARACHI: Fuming at the provincial authorities over the poor condition of sanitation across the province, the Sindh High Court has directed the government to explain the situation and their failure.

A division bench of the high court gave this direction while hearing the petition filed by Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar seeking the devolution of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) from the Sindh government to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

The city’s Mayor Waseem Akhtar had petitioned the high court, submitting that the board was created under Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014 with functions to the needs of general public.

He quoted the Supreme Court’s order in which it had ordered the devolution of the board to local bodies under the rules of business in view of its below par performance. The petitioner maintained that despite the directives of the apex court, steps were not being taken to transfer the SSWMB to the elected local representatives.

He pleaded to the judges to direct the authorities concerned to transfer all the assets falling under the umbrella of the Solid Waste Management Board Act, 2014 to local government institutions.

The court was further requested to direct the respondents to give complete details of all the funds, which they had received for the purpose of solid waste management, how the same were spent, and to appoint a reputable auditor to find the facts.

Meanwhile, another bench cancelled bail granted to the Sindh Police’s former AIG Logistics and Finance who escaped from the prison in a case pertaining to the embezzlement of Rs 50 million of funds released for paying off fuel charges and making special security arrangements for Muharram.

A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh also rejected the application of the applicants seeking permission to enter into a plea bargain with the NAB.

The court had earlier granted bail to both police officials against the surety bond of Rs 1 million each. The AIG Logistics and Finance had moved to the high court seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with an inquiry launched against them by the NAB for allegedly embezzling police funds.

According to the NAB reference, the investigation revealed that the provincial finance department had allocated funds of Rs 75 million in 2014-15 for extraordinary duties and security arrangements during Muharram.

It alleged that Syed Fida had sought approval from the Inspector General of Police to incur fuel and other expenses. Subsequently, Tanveer Ahmed sent five bills, Rs 10 million each, to the Accountant General Sindh for the release of the amount in the names of M/s Standard Services Station and M/s Quick Filling Station, Race Course Road Sukkur.

Rs 30 million was withdrawn in the name of M/s Standard Services Station, whereas Rs 20 million in the name of M/s Quick Filling Station.

The reference stated that there was only one fuel station by the name of M/s Standard Services Station located in Block VI of PECHS, Shahrah-e-Faisal. On inquiry, it was found that it had neither issued any bill for payment of Rs 30 million nor had it received any such payment.

The cheque for Rs 30 million was deposited into the account of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the central police and Tanveer Ahmed was authorized to exercise the powers of DDO.

Another cheque for Rs 20 million was withdrawn in the name of M/s Quick Filling Station. On inquiry, it was revealed that the cheque was never deposited into the account of the station’s owner. On the contrary, it was deposited into the account of Muhammad Rafique, a constable.

When questioned, the Larkana and Sukkur police denied having issued such a bill or having obtained fuel from the above-mentioned fuel station. During interrogation, the constable admitted guilt and offered to return the entire amount through a plea bargain.

The reference states that it had been established that Rs 50 million was embezzled by the police officers.