Dateline Exclusive by Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In the midst of economic turmoil and soaring inflation, recent revelations have shed light on a concerning disparity in the treatment of committee members within the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Our investigative team has uncovered a series of decisions that have raised eyebrows and sparked public outrage over preferential treatment and extravagant allowances within the organization.
The CDA, tasked with crucial urban development initiatives, has faced scrutiny for its decision to significantly enhance allowances for committee members, fundamentally altering the compensation structure from attendance-based to project-based remuneration. This shift in policy has widened the gap between the privileged elite and the average citizen, intensifying concerns about fairness and equity in decision-making processes.
Under the revised system, non-executive or private members of committees are set to receive an astonishing 1.5 million rupees per project, while other members will be compensated with a comparatively modest 60 thousand rupees per project. This stark contrast in compensation has raised questions about the justification behind such exorbitant allowances, particularly amidst the economic hardships faced by the general populace.
Moreover, the cost associated with hosting committee meetings has skyrocketed, with an estimated expenditure of 700 thousand rupees for a single meeting where an average of 10 projects are presented. This extravagant spending further exacerbates the financial strain on taxpayers and calls into question the prudence of such expenditures, especially during times of economic crisis.
Documents obtained by Daily Dateline reveal that committee members previously received allowances for simply attending meetings, a practice that has now been replaced with project-based compensation. The decision to implement these changes was made following a summary presented by the Member (P&D), in consultation with the Finance Advisor and CDA board. Despite concerns raised during deliberations, the board ultimately approved the revised compensation structure, igniting a firestorm of criticism and public outcry.
Critics argue that the preferential treatment afforded to committee members contradicts the principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency that are paramount in any democratic society. As citizens demand answers and accountability from their elected representatives, questions linger about the integrity of decision-making processes within government agencies and the need for greater oversight and accountability.
As this story continues to unfold, Daily Dateline remains committed to investigating and reporting on issues that impact the lives of ordinary citizens. Critics say on one hand Cabinet Division has issued notification for the implementation of austerity measures in all government l, semi government and autonomous departments but on the other side CDA Board has approved to dole out tax payers money among its members and blue-eyed officers just for nothing.
