Ministry of Housing and Works engulfed in scandal over corruption allegations and power struggle

By Aamir Lashari
ISLAMABAD: In a shocking turn of events, the Ministry of Housing and Works is facing a significant scandal involving corruption allegations and a power struggle for the coveted Director General (DG) position within its sub-department, the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD).
The ongoing battle for the DG position has exposed a complex web of corruption, questionable appointments, and a lack of action on previous corruption inquiries.
The Ministry of Housing has submitted three names for interim appointments to DG Pak PWD. Following approval from the Prime Minister’s Office, the name of Rashid Khan, Chief Engineer of the Central Zone, has been forwarded to the Election Commission for final approval. Once approved, a notification will be issued.
Two chief engineers are at the center of this controversy, bringing to light a troubling series of irregularities.
Former officer Hafiz Ahmed Ali is under scrutiny for allegedly awarding a project worth over Rs. 1400 million to a private company based on fraudulent documents in the North Zone. The case has escalated to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), where Chief Justice IHC has expressed a commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable.
Active Investigations and Promotions Raise Concerns:
The Housing Ministry Senior J.S. Admin, is actively pursuing investigations into allegations of misconduct and corruption but has been massively failed to finalise it due to unknown reasons. However, promotions within the ministry, pending approval from the Secretary, are raising eyebrows and fueling concerns about potential favoritism and questionable associations.
Despite recommendations from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to relieve certain officers, recent appointments and reinstatements have added complexity to the unfolding saga. Chief Engineer North Anwar-ul-Haq Dogar, accused in various projects in the North Zone, has faced charge sheets, indicating deeper issues within the Ministry of Housing and Works.
Cases involving Chief Engineers in Quetta and Islamabad Zones have brought to light potential corruption in government offices, casting doubt on the authenticity of documents, including fake call deposits by private companies. The verification process by the Bank of Punjab and other government institutions is currently under scrutiny.
In an unexpected twist, the Ministry of Housing and Works has faced criticism for allegedly hindering inquiries against corrupt elements, raising questions about its commitment to national duty and accountability. As investigations progress, the public awaits clarity on the future of those involved in these alleged improprieties.