Rooting out corruption: PDMA suspends four more officials accused of misappropriation

An inquiry found them guilty of embezzling Ramazan food packages meant for Jalozai Camp’s IDPs.

PESHAWAR: Four more officials of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) were suspended on Monday for embezzling Ramazan food packages meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Jalozai Camp.

According to a press release issued by the PDMA, the camp coordinator, sub-camp in-charge, a storekeeper and a security guard were suspended after an inquiry found them to be involved in misappropriation. A PDMA official said the inquiry was conducted under the supervision of PDMA Director General Atif Rehman.



The United Arab Emirates government sends Ramazan food packages for IDPs at the Jalozai Camp every year, however, eight officials in the camp were found involved in embezzling these packages, said the official. IDPs had also protested several times against the accused. Following this, the PDMA decided to conduct an inquiry and take action against the culprits.

Earlier in August, Coordinator of IDPs Faiz Muhammad, Information Technology Manager Rajindar Hari Lal, Finance Manager Muhammad Waqar and a finance assistant were suspended by the authority and an inquiry was ordered against four others.

PDMA DG Atif Rehman had said strict action will be taken against those involved in corruption. “The PDMA was established for the welfare of displaced people and we will provide every facility to them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2013.