An anti-graft watchdog has started investigating massive misappropriation of funds in the Punjab branch of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and confiscated its records, The Express Tribune has learnt.
The Anti-Corruption Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) moved after receiving an eight-page charge-sheet from PRCS Punjab chapter’s new chief Zahid Bashir to the FIA provincial director.
Following the unearthing of the scandal, PRCS chairman suspended Secretary Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Saleem and Manager.
Finance Nosheen Naeem on charges of stealing important official records and administrative and financial irregularities.
The two, however, got two separate criminal cases registered against their boss with the Civil Line police station on 14th and 15th of this month, reveal official documents, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune.
The incumbent PRCS chairman has also requested the auditor general of Pakistan to form an independent team for a special audit of PRCS Punjab branch accounts maintained during the tenure of his predecessor Mian Muhammad Hanif.
The charge-sheet reveals crimes relating to the actions of former chairman, secretary and other officials — including an amendment to the PRCS act and rules authorising a handpicked management committee to nominate the chairman instead of the provincial governor and the president. This is illegal and in contravention with PRCS act, says the charge-sheet.
Muhammad Ashraf, a mechanic, and Naeem, the driver on duty with the PRCS secretary have revealed that on January 7 Brig Saleem handed them a brown packet containing files and directed them to hide it somewhere in the office and put it in his vehicle after the new PRCS chairman left the office.
They said that they complied with the orders. The files contained records of major irregularities done by the secretary, according to the charge-sheet.
Another former PRCS secretary, Umar Kamal, has revealed that he was asked to launch a fundraising campaign for the benefits of then chairman Hanif and when he refused to oblige he was forced to resign.
Yet another former secretary, Major (retd) Javed Iqbal has also alleged that the ex-chairman was involved in corrupt practices. He had even asked him to change the audit report.
Mian Hanif had also tried to make him award a construction contract to a contractor of his choosing. Mian Hanif had a tendency of obliging people of his liking, giving them bribe in shape of ghee, sugar, etc, official documents revealed. When Maj Iqbal refused to toe the line he was fired.
Nosheen Naeem, manager accounts & finance, said that recruitment of staff for PRCS Punjab used to be made only with a prior approval of then chairman Hanif in contravention with procedures and without input from the Recruitment and Selection Committee.
Similarly, the staff was paid less than the actual salaries approved by the national headquarters in Islamabad. The surplus amount was placed at the disposal of the former chairman for his use.
A former assistant director Youth & Volunteer alleged that Mian Hanif and the incumbent secretary had directed him to stop activities for the society and save funds and instead make bogus bills and reports for submission to the Islamabad headquarters. However, since he refused to oblige, he was sacked.
Mian Hanif also purchased a closed silk mill at the Dina Nath area at a much higher rate than its market value. Later it transpired that the mill belonged to one of his friends.
The list of charges against Mian Hanif is never-ending.
Zahid Bashir, the incumbent chairman of PRCS Punjab chapter, told The Express Tribune that after assuming the charge he has found irregularities in the society’s affairs. He confirmed that after suspending the secretary and the manager finance he has sent an eight-page charge-sheet to FIA.
He also confirmed that he has requested the auditor general of Pakistan for a special audit of accounts maintained during his predecessor’s tenure.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2012.
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