Cabinet discusses probe into PPRA

Procurement authority faces allegations of corruption, misuse of authority

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that an investigation into the affairs of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) will help to give a clear picture of the issues afflicting the authority.

The probe against alleged misuse of authority and corruption has landed in the federal cabinet. During a recent meeting of the cabinet, PM Sharif told cabinet members that an order had been issued for initiating probe into the affairs of PPRA.

The premier highlighted that efforts were being made to obtain an objective account of the issues related to the PPRA, which had also appeared in the media.

Earlier, the prime minister took notice of the allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, favouritism and nepotism against some officers of the PPRA and sought a report.

According to officials, PPRA employees are paid millions of rupees per month in the name of honoraria and that too from the loan repayable to the World Bank.

The honoraria (equal to 12 basic pays) are not only illegal but without precedent. Almost every PPRA employee is also being paid a 20% additional allowance.

"I would, therefore, advise you to please look into this matter immediately and seek the guidance of PPRA board, including on any recoveries of the unauthorised grant of honoraria that may need to be made," said a letter written recently by the Cabinet Division to the PPRA managing director.

During the cabinet meeting, where an overview was given of the recent reform initiatives undertaken by the government, the prime minister appreciated efforts of the deputy PM, minister for power, minister of state for power, former Power Division secretary and Economic Affairs Division secretary for their continued efforts to revitalise the power sector.

While mentioning the steps taken to improve performance of the country's economy, the cabinet chairman emphasised that the government was making every effort to reduce production costs.

The prime minister said that it was not only a prerequisite to boost exports by making them more competitive in international markets but also a condition for the revival of key economic sectors, including industry, agriculture and trade.

The cabinet was told that the energy sector had a critical role in achieving those goals and the measures planned to reduce energy costs would be shared with the nation very soon.

The PM noted that improving tax collection and ensuring financial stability was another priority area for the government. Significant interventions had been made to introduce reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), particularly to make its functions more efficient and transparent.

Regarding the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, the premier expressed concern that critical areas were not receiving necessary attention.

He directed all ministries, divisions and departments not to treat public service as "business as usual" and to serve the nation as their obligation. It was emphasised that delays in decision-making must be done away with and efforts to digitise governance must be intensified.

The PM apprised cabinet members that for smooth implementation of the government's economic agenda, deliberations were underway and local and foreign experts were being engaged for advice.

A committee is also being constituted to work on the economic reforms programme to ensure macroeconomic stability and the chief of army staff has supported these efforts.

The PM, in his concluding remarks, emphasised the government's complete commitment to working towards a stable and prosperous Pakistan and making every sacrifice that might be required along that path.