A fact-finding report from Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office has alleged serious irregularities at the COMSATS Secretariat involving Executive Director Nafees Zakaria. Meanwhile, the inquiry claims a foreign-funded project was subcontracted to a private company owned by his son.
Report Alleges Contract And Governance Irregularities
According to the report, the Executive Director allegedly diverted a training contract from the Government of Azerbaijan to his son’s private firm. Furthermore, the inquiry cited administrative, procedural and financial irregularities within the COMSATS Secretariat.
The committee stated that several requested institutional records were not provided despite repeated requests. Consequently, investigators said the missing documents limited parts of the inquiry.
The report also alleged the Executive Director bypassed key provisions of the COMSATS Charter and Statutes. It claimed statutory bodies, including the Consultative Committee, Technical Advisory Committee and Management Committee, were not convened.
Additionally, the inquiry alleged mandatory Board of Management meetings for COMSATS Internet Services did not take place. Investigators further claimed several research and development projects proceeded without feasibility studies, budget approvals or formal authorisation.
Inquiry Recommends Comprehensive Audits
The report also alleged a Rs399 million ICT training contract for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts was subcontracted without the required approvals. Moreover, it criticised the creation of new senior positions and promotions at the Islamabad headquarters.
Investigators said they could not fully assess the financial impact because requested financial records were allegedly not provided. The committee stated that repeated requests to the Director of Finance remained unanswered.
The inquiry recommended that the Ministry of Science and Technology present the matter before the Consultative Committee. It also called for comprehensive forensic, administrative, financial and human resource audits.
Finally, the report proposed amendments to the 2015 COMSATS Statutes to strengthen oversight, reduce the concentration of authority and ensure regular meetings of statutory bodies.
