Authorities suspend the CDA driver who acts as a supervisor for the Diplomatic Shuttle Service
ISLAMABAD:
Irregularities have emerged in the operation of the diplomatic shuttle service in the highly sensitive red zone of the federal capital, with reports claiming that the service was run under the supervision of a CDA driver and that private security guards were deployed at the facility, surprising even officials from the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).
Following complaints of irregularities in the shuttle service, DMA Director Syeda Anam Fatima visited the shuttle area and ordered action against those involved. During the inspection, a person was arrested on charges of overcharging passengers and was moved to the Secretariat Police Station.
According to sources, the visit also revealed that private security guards were deployed at the Diplomatic Shuttle Service despite the fact that the facility is now run by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The DMA director ordered the removal of the private guards and ordered that police officers be deployed instead.
Additionally, acting shuttle manager Aijaz Qureshi was suspended for alleged irregularities. Sources said Qureshi, who is officially employed as a driver in the DMA, had been performing supervisory duties at the sensitive shuttle service facility.
Sources further claimed that the private guards had been stationed at the shuttle area for several years and continued to remain there even after the service came under official government management. Complaints have also been filed against some of these guards alleging their involvement in sending people to embassies without appointments in exchange for money.
A few months ago, the UAE embassy reportedly raised concerns after dozens of people allegedly reached the embassy on the same day without valid appointments after paying intermediaries. Officials at the embassy reportedly refused to entertain the visitors when they discovered they lacked appointments. The incident reportedly sparked protests outside the shuttle service area by affected people, prompting police to intervene to disperse the crowd.
Sources said that allegations of corruption and irregularities in the diplomatic shuttle service had earlier been reported to senior authorities by various institutions, but no effective action was taken. They argued that those involved were too influential to be detained.
