PESHAWAR: An inquiry has uncovered irregularities in a Rs320 million tender, leading to its cancellation by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
According to official documents, the Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Department cancelled the tender for the installation of streetlights in various neighbourhood councils of the Capital Metropolitan Corporation, Peshawar, after completing an investigation.
The project titled “Supply and Erection of Street Light Accessories and New Installation” came under scrutiny after media reports highlighted alleged irregularities in the bidding process, prompting the provincial government to order an inquiry.
On the instructions of Minister for Local Government, a fact-finding committee was formed to review the entire procurement process.
The inquiry report stated that 31 bidders were correctly declared disqualified under the requirements of Notice Inviting Tender (NIT). However, it further revealed that the only qualified firm, Mian Ghazi Enterprises, had submitted a non-litigation certificate even though the company was involved in litigation at the Peshawar High Court during the relevant period.
The committee observed that this act was a violation of NIT conditions and the firm was not eligible under the prescribed rules.
In the light of inquiry findings, authorities cancelled the entire tender to ensure transparency, fairness and integrity in the public procurement process.
The documents also recommend disciplinary action against the members concerned of the procurement committee for negligence.
The committee further suggested re-advertising the project and establishing a centralised tendering system in future with the inclusion of technical and engineering experts.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government stated that it remains committed to transparency, accountability and merit-based governance.
