Bad practices: Corruption probe initiated against top Pak-EPA officials

Audit irregularities, questionable NOCs under the scanner

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched a probe into the conduct of top Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) officials for their alleged involvement in massive irregularities and corrupt practices, documents available with the Express Tribune reveal.

According to a letter issued by the FIA Anti Corruption Circle, the agency is holding an enquiry against senior Pak-EPA officials. An official at the environmental watchdog confirmed that the FIA had contacted the agency’s head and was probing corruption charges.

Among the subjects of the probe is the Pak-EPA’s issuing of No Objection Certificate (NOCs) to different hospitals, clinics, housing societies and individuals after allegedly taking bribes. The NOCs issued to the Metro Bus, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Centurus are also being reviewed.

Sources reveal that the accused officials have also been involved in illegal appointments. Moreover, a lot of discrepancies have surfaced in account audits.

The CDA and Pak-EPA have been under fire for issuing NOCs to the Metro Bus Project. During the hearing of a case against the CDA relating to damage done to green belts in Islamabad during bus lane construction, the authority argued that work on the project was initiated after getting the required no-objection certificate NOC from the Pak-EPA. They also maintained that the project did not violate the Islamabad Master Plan. Around Rs181 million was spent on repairing green belts.

Furthermore, Pak-EPA was also criticised for not doing anything substantial to stop actions that were raising environmental concerns. Pak-EPA high ups have also allegedly been facing political pressure over environmental clearance.

“Initially, upon receiving an environmental impact assessment report prepared by Nespak — the design consultant for the Metro Bus project — Pak-EPA officials raised at least 10 objections. But later, they were swept under the rug,” the official had said.

It was also revealed that some technical members of the agency were also served show cause-notices for various reasons. A source familiar with the development said the notices were issued because these members had objected to the project over its adverse environmental impact.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2015.