No illegality observed in PSPC decisions

LAHORE:

An accountability court on Saturday observed that any change in the Punjab Saaf Pani Company (PSPC) was decided with the recommendations and approval of the relevant committees.

In its short order issued last month, the court had acquitted 16 people, including PML-N leaders Raja Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal, who were accused in the PSPC reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore in 2018.

In his detailed 23-page verdict, Judge Sajid Ali Awan observed that the changes made to the project were aimed at further improving it and providing maximum benefits to the people.

Read: Court acquits 16 in Saaf Paani NAB reference

He further noted that the relevant committees ensured that the changes in the project did not increase its actual cost.

The verdict read that the prosecution had failed to prove any violation or illegality in the project.

From survey assessment to the completion of project, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules and regulations were fully implemented.

The court noted that NAB had also filed a supplementary reference in the case.

One floor of a plaza owned by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif’s son-in-law Ali Imran and daughter Rabia Imran was given to the PSPC on rent.

The detailed judgment further noted that the third floor of Ali Trade Center had been given to the PSPC through open bidding.