Gilgit officials likely to face corruption probe

Misappropriation said to rob national exchequer of billions of rupees.

GILGIT: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) will launch corruption investigations against various government department officials in a couple of days, sources told The Express Tribune on Sunday.

“Following reports of corruption in some government offices, the bureau has decided to send its team to Gilgit to verify the reports,” a source said, adding that if accusations prove to be correct, the officials responsible will be arrested.

Officials of National Bank, Northern Areas Transport Corporation, Civil Supply and Public Works Department (PWD) are likely to be questioned.

According to sources, misappropriation of billions of rupees has taken place in the PWD but its books have never been inspected.

Earlier this week, contractors in Gilgit organised demonstrations against the PWD, accusing its officials of nepotism in awarding contracts.

The demonstrators called for initiating a probe against the accused officials.

Corruption in energy sector and the Civil Supply department has marred their performance. “If NAB acts sincerely against these departments, billions of rupees can be returned to the national exchequer,” said an official requesting anonymity.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2010.