Fake account opened in LTC’s name

Contracting company allegedly used forged documents

LAHORE: After coming under the spotlight for being nonfunctional and several irregularities, the Lahore Transport Company (LTC) has come under scrutiny once again after a fake private bank account opened in its name has been revealed.

Sources say that a contracting company of the LTC allegedly opened the fake account with the involvement of some LTC officials, using fraudulent letters. The account was used to deposit cheques for the company. As the shady activity was revealed, the chairman of the transport company sent a letter to the bank with directives for freezing the account.

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the LTC, Maryam Khawar has also been directed to investigate the matter. The company has also been struggling with internal disputes. Sources say that a row is going on between the chairman and the CEO of the LTC over the issue of releasing a police officer who has been on deputation at the company for the past seven years despite being transferred from the inspector general's (IG) office.

According to information obtained by The Express Tribune, the cold war between Chairman Dr Shahid Siddique and CEO Maryam Khawar is on a rise, with the latter reportedly making efforts to keep the chairman out of the company’s affairs.

The sources say that Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shafiq Ahmed has been deployed at the LTC for the last seven years.

In an order issued by the Punjab Police IG a few days ago, DSP Ahmed was ordered to leave the LTC and report to the Punjab Traffic Additional IG’s office.

However, the CEO reportedly did not allow him to be relieved of duties.