Cricket board chief: Financial irregularities led to Zaka Ashraf’s removal
The Supreme Court was informed on Thursday that former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf was removed over charges of alleged financial improprieties in the top cricket body during his term in office.
Asma Jahangir, who was representing the Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination, submitted a special audit report conducted during Ashraf’s 22-month long stint in office.
The report reveals that during his term, the former PCB chief spent a staggering Rs25,787,496 on trips that included airfare for members of his family, guests and security staff, deriving an average monthly expense of Rs1, 172,159. In comparison the expenses are 4.2 times higher than his predecessor, Ijaz Butt who served for almost three years.
According to the report, a luxury vehicle was hired 14 times from Messrs Ample Enterprise for the former PCB chief at an aggregate cost of Rs4.27 million without complying with the rules set by Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), an autonomous body tasked with the responsibility of prescribing regulations and procedures for public procurements.
The report reveals that as many as 37 additional posts were created for discretionary appointments at a monthly payroll of Rs4,094,233 without any institutional jurisdiction and budgetary provisions.
The court was informed that a number of employees were directly appointed on the newly created positions without advertising, contrary to the outlined rules.
The report also highlights the discretionary expense incurred on the entertainment of media-persons.
The report states that the financial dealings with four parties including, essential 99, FM 107, IMG and GS communication were secured through postdated cheques. Conversely, the payment owed by these entities amounting to Rs12, 396,889 remains outstanding to date.
The external audit also raised a red flag over the funds allocated for the construction of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Ghari Khuda Buksh Cricket Stadium, Islamabad Cricket Stadium and National Cricket Academy.
After going through the contents of the report, the bench expressed its concern over the alleged irregularities that surfaced during Ashraf’s term as PCB chief.
“We will not tolerate people who are dishonest. Let us set an example in this matter,” Justice Mian Saqib remarked.
The bench also raised question over the jurisdiction by the Islamabad High Court regarding the restoration of Ashraf as PCB chairman.
On the other hand, Imtiaz Siddiqui, who was representing the former PCB chief, rejected the contents of audit report that accuse Ashraf of financial wrongdoings. Subsequently, the court allowed Ashraf’s lawyer to file a reply in this regard.
In addition, the court also sought material that was presented before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif – who is also the patron-in-chief of PCB, which led to Ashraf’s removal. The hearing of the case was adjourned until July 2.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2014.
COMMENTS (8)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Justice Saqib clearly seems to be paid for putting up such statements. After all Pmln has the power and money to buy judges for their own favours and use them whenever they feel like.
Najam Sethi is doing a great job so let him work please.
Flat lie from the masters of lies and deceit, i.e., the Sharif Brothers. They act like dictators, and once they develop hatred for someone they proceed to remove him by hook or crook. Once removed, then they try to fish for the cases, most of the time fabricated.
“We will not tolerate people who are dishonest. Let us set an example in this matter,” Justice Mian Saqib remarked. THIS is the biggest problem with Pakistani judges. Has Ashraf been served a charge sheet yet? Has Ashraf been given a chance to respond to the charge sheet? Has the case gone to trial? Has Ashraf been tried and convicted? The answer to all those questions is NO.. On what basis is the judge talking about setting an example? These kind of media headline grabbing judges and people who are trying to show their loyalty to the government of the day, are not doing justice any favor. In any civilized country, Judges are supposed to be quiet, pass judgements and not try to grab a headline. Here in Pakistan, the judges pass more remarks to get headlines rather than any substantial judgements which is why no one trusts the judiciary.
In case above mentioned things come out to be true, then not only those who did them must be dealt with iron hands, but also those who appointed them, supported them or restored them.
@Nasir Mahmood: Until high officials are punished, corruption will not be eliminated from the society. . Nasir ji, I have a different view - the corruption needs to be removed from grounds up. The common people like you and me need to put a stop on corruption by refusing to pay the bribe, following the traffic rules, avoid breaking the law and demand higher standards from people holding public offices. These people are from the same society and culture after all.
Until high officials are punished, corruption will not be eliminated from the society. Courts should decide these case as early as possible to make examples for others.
That's good riddance then. It must be followed by severe punishment to set an example for other government servants.