LAHORE:The Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) has issued a formal charge sheet against the officiating Deputy Director General/Adjudicating Authority-II, Lahore, over allegations of misconduct and financial irregularities.
According to an official document issued by EOBI Chairman Jawaid A. Shaikh, sufficient grounds were found to initiate disciplinary proceedings against M Farooq Tahir under the relevant provisions of the EOBI (Employees’ Service) Regulations, 1980, as well as the Government Servants’ (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973. The authority has also ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter.
The charge sheet states that Tahir, while serving as Deputy Director General (B&C-II), Lahore, is accused of violating institutional rules, showing negligence and inefficiency in official duties, and being allegedly involved in misappropriation or embezzlement of funds. He is further accused of acting against institutional interests and submitting misleading statements in official matters.
A statement of allegations attached to the charge sheet details that the officer sought administrative approval for the repair of an official vehicle and requested payment of Rs330,700 to a private workshop. However, audit observations and a fact-finding inquiry reportedly identified serious discrepancies in the process.
The findings suggest that no formal work order was issued to the vendor, and no repair work was carried out, while the vehicle reportedly remained in the same condition. The satisfaction report on record has been described as fabricated, allegedly bearing the signature of a driver acting on instructions rather than an authorised officer. The invoice submitted for payment has also been termed non-genuine, with the claimed amount reflecting no actual expenditure, constituting alleged fraudulent practice and financial irregularity that resulted in a loss to the institution.
EOBI has warned that if the charges are proven, they may lead to major penalties, including dismissal from service.The accused officer has been directed to submit a written reply within 14 days of receiving the charge sheet and to indicate whether he wishes to be heard in person. Failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe may result in ex-parte proceedings.
Meanwhile, M Ajmal Khan, Deputy Director General (Internal Audit), has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct the proceedings. Sources said that the inquiry report is required to be submitted within 15 days; however, proceedings have yet to formally begin, and the officer under probe is still serving in a key position, raising questions over the process.
When contacted, Farooq Tahir said an inquiry had been initiated against him and that he would pay the amount if found guilty. He maintained that all allegations levelled against him were baseless.
