PARC officers booked for illegal hiring
To facilitate cooperation, Pakistan and Kuwait should establish a dedicated entity similar to PKIC. A proposed Pak-Kuwait Food and Agriculture Co could attract investment in agricultural development and boost Pakistan’s food exports . photo: file
The Islamabad FIA Anti-Corruption Circle has registered a case against 19 officers and staff members of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), including Chairman Ghulam Muhammad Ali, for illegal appointments, misuse of authority and nepotism.
The FIA arrested the Chairman and Director Estate/Establishment Ikhlaq Malik, and both were presented before the court. They were handed over to the FIA on a three-day remand. Raids are currently ongoing to arrest other accused individuals.
According to officials, reports had surfaced that officers and staff at PARC, in collusion, carried out illegal recruitments without publishing advertisements and caused significant losses to the national treasury. In light of this, FIA Islamabad Zone Director Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, Anti-Corruption Cell Deputy Director Afzal Khan Niazi and Assistant Director Nouman Khalil were assigned an inquiry. After the inquiry concluded, a case was registered against Chairman Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Director Estate/Establishment Ikhlaq Malik, and 17 other officers and officials.
So far, two accused have been arrested for making illegal appointments and misusing their official powers.