Lake View Park in Islamabad has once again come under the scanner for alleged corruption, illegal appointments and seniority violations.
According to sources, an influential group of contract
employees posted in the park since 2008 has been working at the same location
for the past two decades and during this time, allegations of causing a loss of
crores of rupees to the national exchequer are coming to light. Relevant
circles say that these officers and officials not only maintained a strong grip
on administrative matters through their influence but also patronized various
illegal activities.
According to sources, this group includes five facilitators,
including an assistant manager who were posted under the contract report of
2008. It is alleged that later, various important responsibilities were
entrusted to favored persons, while former assistant manager Junaid Afzal, who
is now exercising the powers of deputy director, has been a part of the same
system for almost 20 years. He is also being accused of causing huge financial
loss to the national exchequer under his supervision.
Recently, after the media pointed out alleged irregularities
in Lake View Park and the CDA Environment Wing, Member Environment Abdullah
Khurram Niazi made a surprise visit to the park.
However, sources say that as soon as the information about
the visit was received, the concerned officers immediately shifted the alleged
illegal activities going on in the park to another place so that the situation
could be shown as normal. It is being told that the top officials of the CDA
have taken strict notice of the matter and have sought audit reports and visit
records of the previous years.
On the other hand, public and social circles have also
accused some officers of violating seniority.
According to sources, recommendations to directly promote a
Grade 16 officer to Grade 18 are under consideration, while many senior
officers have been waiting for promotion for years. Critics say that this move
will be against the CDA service rules and principles of merit. It is also being
told that some such officers, against whom inquiries are pending in the Human
Resources Department, are influencing important recommendations and promotions.
According to sources, complaints of inappropriate language
used by some concerned officers have also come to light during discussions with
media representatives, which is causing concern among employees and civic
circles.
According to CDA Service Rules 1992, contract appointments
can be made for a maximum of three years, however, some people are allegedly
posted at the same place for two decades, which is being considered a clear
violation of the rules and regulations. According to administrative experts,
posting of any government employee at the same place for a long time can lead
to conflict of interest.
Citizens, social circles and some officers of CDA have
demanded that the Chairman CDA, Member Finance and Member Environment should
conduct a complete examination of the audit reports and service records of the
last five years of Lake View Park, Horticulture, Environment and Transport
wings.
They say that decisions should be made based on merit and
seniority so that the national exchequer can be saved from further loss and the
process of promotions can be made transparent. It has also been demanded that
the controversial promotions and appointments be temporarily halted until the
inquiry is completed.
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