News Analysis |
Large scale financial embezzlements were revealed in Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF) as administration had allegedly distributed millions of rupees among private departments. Owing to this negative practice, the prime objectives regarding formation of PPIF were not achieved.
Credible sources stated that large scale financial misappropriation surfaced in PPIF as officials of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) were also conducting an investigation of alleged financial embezzlements in fund. Source said that Jawad Khan, Muhammad Hashim, Rehan Tahir were the main handlers of this fund and they allegedly misused it and only filled their own bank accounts.
Sources further disclosed that fund administration had allegedly paid Rs 21 billion to Akhtar Hameed. Moreover, Rs. 40 million was paid to Health Nutrition Development Society.
Sources stated that above mentioned persons had been summoned now in connection with investigation that was in progress on the directions of apex court. It was revealed in the documents that administration had rented a bungalow for office purpose at New Garden Town Lahore and paid Rs 0.45 million annual rent of this house. Sources stated that administration had paid Rs 2.5million to the owner of the house despite of fact that no residential house could be used as an office.
Sources stated that as many as 13 political workers had also been recruited on higher pay without any documentation. Moreover, administration had also hired a blue eyed Law firm ABS and paid Rs 1.8 million to it. This law firm is allegedly linked with former Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Sources further disclosed that fund administration had allegedly paid Rs 21 billion to Akhtar Hameed. Moreover, Rs. 40 million was paid to Health Nutrition Development Society.
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These revelations did not come as a surprise to the observers who believe that many more corruption cases will surface in coming days. Prime Minister Imran Khan has already directed the NAB to take action against the corrupt mafias inside the country. In a meeting with Chairman NAB later last week, the incumbent premier assured him of government’s full support for NAB’s fight against corruption.
Scandals like these are set to increase pressure on the PML-N’s President Shahbaz Sharif who is already facing the courts in other mega corruption scams.