Inquiry into billboard recovery embezzlement still pending after two years

Rawalpindi:Nearly two years after a high-profile inquiry was launched into alleged irregularities in billboard tax recovery by the District Council Rawalpindi, the final report is still awaited. The delay in concluding the investigation has raised questions about the pace of accountability within the local government system.

In August 2023, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema, who also serves as the Administrator of the District Council, took prompt action after receiving reports of financial mismanagement in the recovery of billboard revenue. The recovery process was reportedly conducted without following proper tendering procedures, prompting the DC to order a detailed investigation and suspend the ongoing recovery operations.

Chief Officer (CO) District Council Fazal-e-Akram Khan was removed from his position at the time, and a formal recommendation was sent to the Secretary, Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Irshad. Acting on the DC’s recommendation, the Secretary transferred the officer on administrative grounds through Notification No. LCS (ADMN)-1(345)/2005. Fazal-e-Akram was directed to report to the Punjab Local Government Board, Lahore, while Ahmed Bilal Makhdoom was assigned additional charge as Chief Officer.

Other officials whose names surfaced during the preliminary probe included District Officer (Finance) Muhammad Faisal, Superintendent Sajid Naseer, and Assistant Superintendent (Building) Raja Muhammad Hafeez. A high-level inquiry was initiated, with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning) Rameesha Javed tasked with compiling a detailed report.

Despite the urgency expressed at the time, the final outcome of the inquiry remains undisclosed as of June 2025. According to official sources, the matter continues to be under review, with no conclusive findings shared with the public.

The controversy revolves around the alleged unauthorized installation of over 1,000 billboards across District Council limits, which not only posed safety risks to pedestrians and motorists but also resulted in significant revenue losses. Concerns were raised over the lack of a transparent contract or tendering process in the collection of billboard revenue.

Citizens and taxpayers have called on the authorities to conclude the inquiry and make the findings public. “If any officials are found to have acted responsibly, they should be reinstated with dignity. If wrongdoing is confirmed, action must follow,” said one resident.

In a separate development, the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has initiated strict oversight procedures. Under the leadership of Director General Kinza Murtaza, the RDA is cooperating with agencies including NAB, FIA, and the Anti-Corruption Establishment in other corruption probes amounting to billions of rupees, signalling an increased focus on transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, some private contractors have reported delays in bill payments from the District Council's Finance Department, citing procedural hurdles and a need for greater transparency in financial dealings. Despite the passage of time, stakeholders continue to await clarity and resolution on the billboard embezzlement case, viewing it as a litmus test for local governance reforms.