ISLAMABAD: A major land scandal has emerged in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as revelations surfaced that 54 acres of Pakistan Steel Mills’ land were allotted to four individuals. The case has now been referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with a directive to submit a report within two months.
During a PAC meeting, Senator Afnanullah Khan questioned the identities of the four beneficiaries and their links to the Steel Mills. Expressing concerns over continued land encroachments, he called for strict accountability from relevant authorities.
The CEO of Pakistan Steel Mills informed the committee that a stay order had been secured. However, PAC members remained unconvinced and escalated the matter to NAB.
Budget Mismanagement and Encroachments Spark PAC Criticism
In the PAC session chaired by Junaid Akbar, officials highlighted encroachments in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, leading to outstanding dues of Rs750 million. The Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production disclosed that the Sindh government had initially allotted the land to four individuals—three receiving 16 acres each, while one was granted six acres. The government has since approached the court to address the issue.
Chairman PAC criticized the lack of planning within federal divisions, particularly as the Ministry of Industries and Production sought supplementary grants twice. Officials justified one grant as necessary for Ramadan relief at utility stores.
Concerns over employee downsizing at the Utility Stores Corporation led to the formation of a PAC subcommittee to review the issue. Additionally, a debate arose over the continued tenure of the CEO of the Engineering Development Board post-retirement, with PAC members demanding legal documentation to justify his extension.
PAC Rebukes FPSC Over Delayed CSS Results
The committee expressed outrage at the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for delays in announcing CSS exam results. FPSC officials cited a shortage of commission members as the primary reason, stating that results would be released next month. The PAC directed the Establishment Division to urgently resolve the matter.
Pakistan Steel Mills’ Financial Mismanagement Under Scrutiny
Audit officials informed the PAC that the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) owed Pakistan Steel Mills Rs2.82 billion under the Right of Way agreement. However, the Ministry of Industries and Production revealed that the Steel Mills Board had agreed to reduce the amount.
Chairman PAC questioned the decision, highlighting that the board had initially resolved to recover the full amount but later opted for a reduction. The committee has now directed authorities to recover outstanding dues from NTDC and other institutions, taking action against negligent officials.
The PAC has also ordered a comprehensive report within a month on all pending financial matters related to Pakistan Steel Mills.
