NAB files Rs72.838m reference against FDA officials, others

PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday filed reference against officials of Fata Development Authority (FDA) and others for their alleged involvement in embezzlement of Rs72.838 million in the construction of 14.5 km Ekkaghund Road in Mohmand Agency.
The bureau filed the reference with the administrative judge of the accountability court. The reference was filed against Muhammad Humayun, Manager Mineral Department of Fata Development Authority, former deputy director Imtiaz Ahmad, sub-engineers Ijaz Ahmad and Hazrat Ali of the Fata Development Authority and Adil Hussain, owner of Manzar Hussain Contraction Company.
It was submitted in the reference that after receiving information, the NAB KP DG took cognisance of the matter about huge embezzlement/misappropriation of government funds by officials of Fata Development Authority and contractor in construction of 14.5 km Ekkaghund Road due to non-execution of work.
Consequently, it said, an inquiry was authorised and upon confirmation of allegations, it was converted into investigation. It said the FDA had approved PC-1 for construction/improvement of road from Ekkaghund to Marble City, measuring 10 km. And Rs197.719 million approved for it on May 9, 2013.
The NAB claimed that the investigation transpired that the contract was awarded to the company and the work order issued on December 4, 2013 for execution of work. The stipulated time for completion of the road was 24 months.
The bureau alleged that at the time of payment, no technical sanction was granted for the project while huge payment was illegally made to the contractor Adil Hussain. The bureau claimed that the accused officials dishonestly and illegally paid an amount of Rs61.576 million to the contractor.