Contempt of court: Remove convicted CDA director general, recommends PAC

Civic body’s chairman says Sandhu’s fate to be decided by court.

ISLAMABAD:

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommended on Thursday that Capital Development Authority (CDA) Director General (Planning) Ghulam Sarwar Sandhu be removed from service on grounds of his contemptuous attitude.

“If a sitting prime minister can be sent home in a contempt case why is a public servant holding his office?” questioned PAC Chairman Nadeem Afzal Chand during a meeting on Thursday.

Earlier this week, the Islamabad High Court had sent Sandhu to Adiala Jail for his contemptuous behaviour during court proceedings. However, he was released the next day after submitting an unconditional apology.

The PAC chief has sought a detailed report on Sandhu’s status within 24 hours and inquired under what capacity he was holding the position despite being convicted. The CDA Chairman Farkhand Iqbal, however, said the civic agency will approach the court to find out Sandhu’s status.

“I don’t think Sandhu has committed a serious offence. He was sent to jail for disturbing court proceedings and he tendered an apology for his behaviour,” said Iqbal. He added that the director cannot be dismissed without the court’s directions.

CDA lambasted over nondevelopment of sectors

The PAC also lambasted the CDA for its failure to develop the sectors acquired five years ago. However, Iqbal maintained that the development work could not be initiated due to financial constraints.

Iqbal also said that the federal cabinet has approved a draft and sent it to the presidency to issue an ordinance legalising the public-private partnership for funds’ generation. “Every municipality in the world is developed this way but the CDA’s bylaws do not allow such partnerships. That is why we need an ordinance so development work can be [started].”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2012.