PESHAWAR: A major financial and administrative controversy has emerged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department, where a company already under a one-year ban by the department has been awarded a contract worth approximately Rs300 million.
According to official documents, a total of 32 companies participated in the tender for “Supply and Installation of Street Lights” project of Peshawar City Metropolitan Corporation. After initial scrutiny, 31 companies were declared disqualified on various technical and financial grounds, while only one company was declared qualified.
The most striking aspect of the case is that the company awarded contract had already been debarred for one year by Local Government Department. Despite this, same company was not only declared qualified in current tender but was also awarded multi-million-rupee contract.
Sources reveal several companies were rejected on minor issues such as bank balance requirements, licence categories, or incomplete documentation. In contrast, qualification of controversial company has raised serious questions about transparency of entire process.
Following emergence of the issue, Provincial Minister for Local Government Meena Khan Afridi took immediate notice and ordered an inquiry, directing Secretary Local Government to thoroughly investigate the matter. Sources say clear instructions have been issued to review entire tendering process and take strict action if any irregularities are found.
Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said a full inquiry will be conducted to determine how all companies were disqualified and only one company was awarded contract. He emphasised there would be no compromise on transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, Secretary Local Government Zafar-ul-Islam said investigation will be conducted on merit to ensure transparency. Speaking to this correspondent, he confirmed a five-member committee has been formed, which will submit its report within five days.
He said the company in question had been debarred, not blacklisted, and it will be determined after reviewing the record whether debarment was still in effect or had already been lifted.
