Islamabad:

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday referred the case of Karakoram Highway Project Redesign to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) with reference to alleged violations of regulatory Authority Authority (PPRA) rules.

During a PAC meeting led by Junaid Akbar Khan, audit officials reported serious irregularities in the redesign process at Karakoram Highway. According to the audit, the project’s costs escalated drastically from RS4 billion to RS36 billion due to the redesign.

Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources explained that the redesign had been necessary after the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and that the new Road Design is in line with the CPEC standards.

Committee member Sanaullah Masti Khel noted that although a regular road can cost RS1 billion, a road meeting CPEC standards could cost RS10 billion. He added that public concerns are eligible and noticed “wherever you see, you will find military staff who coincide money.”

Another committee member, Aamir Dogar, pointed out the growing tendency to appoint retired military generals as chairmen of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). PAC President Junaid Akbar added that they would continue to see previous generals get key positions. WAPDA President LT Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani defended his appointment and said it was based on profit. He emphasized that he has 45 years of relevant experience and that his choice for the position should not be linked to his military background.

During the session, Senator Shibli Faraz questioned the WAPDA chairman regarding the Redesign of the Karakoram Highway project. “On what basis did you change the design?” Who are you going to make that decision? Do you think of yourself as God? What kind of ego is this? “Asked the legislature sharply.

The secretary of water resources said that an investigation has been ordered and that they did not ask for the audit para to be wound up. The PAC chairman asked how the project even started if there was no country.

Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan noted that every one of the WAPDA projects is delayed. “You won’t be able to defend this,” he said, when PAC referred the case to Nab. Khan also informed members that the committee has recovered more than RS118 billion in just two months. “These numbers are not ours, but those of the accountant in Pakistan,” he said.

A report presented by the Ministry of Water Resources revealed that almost all major water projects in Pakistan are facing delays. Out of seven larger projects, not even one has reached 50% completion.