Former CDA officials continue to enjoy perks

A plan was chalked out to take action against former CDA officials who continue to enjoy perks.

ISLAMABAD: A plan was chalked out to take action against former Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials who continue to enjoy perks that were provided to them during their tenure. But official sources raised concern over the plan being discriminatory in nature, with names of influential persons being brushed aside.

In a recent CDA meeting, it was decided that strict action would be taken
against officials who were enjoying benefits that included official homes, vehicles and staff.

However, names such as former CDA chairperson Kamran Lashari were not raised in the meeting, despite the official having left the authority almost two years ago and continuing to live in a CDA residence with a swimming pool in F-6/1 sector. Lashari is currently serving as the secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

“While ignoring the bigwigs, CDA officials only discussed the name of its former head Tariq Mehmood,” an official source said.

Mehmood has five official security guards deputed at his residence. Similarly, Fazeel Asghar, former chief commissioner Islamabad, still resides in a CDA residence in Sector F-7/3.

According to the new CDA plan, a reminder would be sent to Tariq Mehmood seeking explanation for not returning the perks extended to him as the authority’s head.

CDA officials said that reminders and recall notices were sent periodically to all officials who are enjoying official benefits, but no response had been received.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.