Saaf Pani project has not begun despite Rs4bn being already spent, Punjab chief secy tells SC

[Abdullah719]

Despite Rs4 billion being spent on the Punjab government's Saaf Pani project, not a single drop of clean water has been made available to the citizens, Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed informed the Supreme Court on Sunday.

A two-member bench of the SC, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing the suo motu case regarding alleged irregularities in appointments in the Punjab Saaf Pani Company (PSPC) at its Lahore Registry.

A day earlier, the company's CEO had told the court that Rs300 million had been spent on the services of foreign consultants so far, an estimated amount of Rs150 billion had been allocated for the whole project while 116 plants of clean water installed at a cost of Rs4 billion.

The CJP on Sunday pondered the possibility of sending the case to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) with a 15-day deadline for the bureau to investigate it. He then summoned the NAB prosecutor general on April 14.

Justice Nisar rejected a report on the project submitted by PSPC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) retired Capt Muhammad Usman. The chief justice had directed the CEO to furnish a complete record, including the salaries, perks and privileges of entire staff and the vehicles provided to them to perform their official duties.

"Everyone will be held accountable; I will ensure that every penny of the nation is returned," he remarked. He also said that those who appointed people in the project would also be held accountable and be asked to return the spent money.

Justice Nisar said that all the CEOs of companies [associated with the government] would be given salaries equal to those of government servants. "A government servant is being favoured [by being appointed as a CEO] with a Rs1.4 million salary so that he may be used to get work done at any point."

"So much money was spent on advertising but the project was not completed," Justice Nisar observed.

He also vowed that undue favours or bribe would not work until the current judiciary is in place.

The CJP questioned the eligibility of Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister Zaeem Qadri's brother, Asim Qadri, and wife, Uzma Qadri, for being a part of the board of directors of the PSPC.

The provincial chief secretary conceded that things were going down rather than looking up for the company while a former CEO of the PSPC, Waseem Ajmal, said that the chief minister gave orders regarding the company although he had no authority. "Local experts were replaced by foreign experts on orders of the chief minister," he said.

Ajmal, along with two other officers, was removed on the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in 2016 after an inquiry team probe into a Rs80bn increase in cost estimation of the project.

During Saturday's hearing, Justice Nisar had expressed displeasure at the hefty amount being paid to foreign consultants engaged for PSPC and huge salaries paid to its officials.

The project has faced multiple hurdles since its inception as there are multiple cases against it in the courts. NAB is also currently investigating the irregularities in the project.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1400344

 

[Abdullah719]

PML-N candidate sent on physical remand in Saaf Pani corruption case

LAHORE: An accountability court on Tuesday approved a 14-day physical remand of Engineer Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal — accused in the Saaf Pani Company corruption case.

Former CEOs of the company, Islam and Waseem Ajmal, were presented in an accountability court today — a day after they were arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lahore.

Islam, the PML-N ticket holder from NA-59 Rawalpindi-III who is contesting against Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, has served as the chief executive officer of the Saaf Pani Company and is accused of having awarded contracts for 84 water treatment plants at a higher price. His predecessor Ajmal is also accused in the case.

As the hearing went under way, Islam's lawyer contended that the proceedings against his client were based on the basis of allegations.

NAB neither has evidence against my client nor was a complaint against him lodged with the anti-graft body, the defence lawyer said.

Islam's lawyer asserted that his client was contesting the upcoming polls against Nisar. He accused NAB and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of collusion for political victimization of his client.

Ajmal then told the court that he had been employed by the government for 25 years, however, he had been demoted to Officer on Special Duty (OSD) after he refused to follow the instructions of the provincial chief minister. The defendant further said that he had fully cooperated with NAB and provided the anti-graft body with all documents. "We advertised for new contracts after the project was completed before its estimated completion date. I was removed from my position for awarding the contract on the basis of merit," he said.

NAB prosecutor Waris Ali Janjua argued that Islam was a director when Waseem Ajmal was appointed as the CEO. He added that the installation of eight plant in Dunyapur, Hasilpur, Khanpur, Manchana Abad among other areas was done during Islam's tenure.

Islam was the chief executive officer of the Saaf Pani Company, the NAB prosecutor said, adding that his hiring took place before a notice was issued.

The prosecution alleged that the correct estimate of printing the weather sheet was not provided by the company during Islam's tenure. Janjua also informed the court that the building for the company was bought from Ali and Fatima Developers.

The NAB prosecutor requested the court to grant a 15-day physical remand of the accused.

The court reserved its verdict on the plea. Later, a 14-day physical remand of the accused was approved by the accountability court.

The hearing was then adjourned till July 9.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/200762-pm...-physical-remand-in-saaf-pani-corruption-case

 

[Mian]

Koi sheram koi haya? And now this drama sharif is saying hum Karachi ko saaf paani denge arae bhai pehle Lahore aka Paris ko to dedo

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Punjab Saaf Pani Company’s (PSPC) chief executive officer, retired Capt Muhammad Usman, on Thursday resigned from his position, DawnNewsTV reported.

The PSPC is currently being investigated by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) after the Supreme Court learned in April that the company had yet to provide a single drop of clean water despite costing Rs4 billion to the provincial exchequer.

Usman, who used to draw a salary of Rs1,465,000 as the PSPC CEO, has twice appeared before the NAB. He is being probed by the corruption watchdog as part of an inquiry into the assets of heads of public companies in Punjab.

He last appeared before the SC on July 24 when he was asked by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar whether he had returned the salary he had drawn as the PSPC head.

In Usman's defence, his counsel had said that his client had an unblemished record of service and there was no allegation of corruption against him.

After he relinquished the post today, Umar Malik, the company's chief financial officer, was given additional charge.

Last year, the NAB had launched a thorough probe into the affairs of 56 public sector companies formed by the Shahbaz Sharif administration in Punjab for their alleged involvement in corruption.

These companies are accused of certain irregularities, recruitment in violation of procurement rules and merit, nepotism, and non-completion of various projects in time.

In May, NAB had grilled PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif’s son Hamza Shahbaz in the PSPC scam, questioning his alleged role in awarding of certain contracts and making appointments despite not being a member of the board of directors.

Hamza’s brother-in-law Imran Ali Yousaf is also being investigated by the bureau for renting out an office in his plaza in Gulberg to the company on exorbitant rates.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1425964/saaf-pani-scam-ceo-retired-capt-muhammad-usman-resigns

 

[Bewal Express]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]
This is what we told you about Showbiz and the Nooras. They are just a mafia disguised as a political party.

 

[DrSchultz]

Despite 35 billion spent on Peshawar Metro Bus project, not a single passenger has benefited.

 

[Asim_khan]

Despite 35 billion spent on Peshawar Metro Bus project, not a single passenger has benefited.

Yes, through incompetence though, because the work is there for all to see, and despite rumours it was recently given a clean chit by the anti corruption bodies. Can you say the same for Saaf pani initiative?

 

[King-Misbah]

Despite 35 billion spent on Peshawar Metro Bus project, not a single passenger has benefited.

Is your loyalty with Pakistan or the Sharif family?

 

[DrSchultz]

Is your loyalty with Pakistan or the Sharif family?

Sharif Family

 

[Mamoon]

Yes, through incompetence though, because the work is there for all to see, and despite rumours it was recently given a clean chit by the anti corruption bodies. Can you say the same for Saaf pani initiative?

When will Pervez Khattak explain his 20 crore chai paani bill in KP House Islamabad?

When will Imran clear his name in the foreign funding case?

When will NAB “probe” into that?

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]
This is what we told you about Showbiz and the Nooras. They are just a mafia disguised as a political party.

They are what they are, but Imran and his men need to answer questions and clear their names as well.

Otherwise there is no Naya Pakistan.

 

[Bewal Express]

They are what they are, but Imran and his men need to answer questions and clear their names as well.

Otherwise there is no Naya Pakistan.

Yes they are a mafia, and if IK doesnt tackle the mafia, there will be no Naya Pakistan.

 

[Pakpak]

Despite 35 billion spent on Peshawar Metro Bus project, not a single passenger has benefited.

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION], another Noora during the entire last years but suddenly ''voted'' for PTI yet back to his Noora ways.

I guess they are changing the ''I don't support anyone'' mantra to ''I voted for PTI''.

 

[DrSchultz]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION], another Noora during the entire last years but suddenly ''voted'' for PTI yet back to his Noora ways.

I guess they are changing the ''I don't support anyone'' mantra to ''I voted for PTI''.

Making light of ridiculous headlines must be synonym with being a N voter in your mind.

 

[Asim_khan]

When will Pervez Khattak explain his 20 crore chai paani bill in KP House Islamabad?

When will Imran clear his name in the foreign funding case?

When will NAB “probe” into that?

1) IIRC was explained at the time as being for the whole event, and not just the Geo fella who tried to pass it off as a bill just for his tea and crones. If the Geo lifafi feels the explanation wasn't precise he could've done another programme, instead there's passing tumbleweed. Admit it, it was a hit piece on pti before the elections since pti are running on an anti corruption manifesto.
2) The foreign funding case is still ongoing, legal arguments are being heard, the wheels of justice turn slowly.
3) ECP are probing into that currently, if ECP feel they're unable to deal with it they can pass the file on.

 

[Bewal Express]

Despite 35 billion spent on Peshawar Metro Bus project, not a single passenger has benefited.

Its called delays. If you see PK son in law on the run, then we know there would have been corruption. Anyways lets see the outcome of the investigation.

 

[Bewal Express]

Making light of ridiculous headlines must be synonym with being a N voter in your mind.

If you are not a Noora, you hide it pretty well.

 

[Pakpak]

If you are not a Noora, you hide it pretty well.

He is one as the guy, like Mamoon, has been talking snide trash all 5 years. Only now that PTI won these people, who used to say 'I dont support anyone' have changed their mantra to 'I voted for PTI' but you can tell no PTI supporter would post the way they do.

Talk about gutless.

 

[Bewal Express]

He is one as the guy, like Mamoon, has been talking snide trash all 5 years. Only now that PTI won these people, who used to say 'I dont support anyone' have changed their mantra to 'I voted for PTI' but you can tell no PTI supporter would post the way they do.

Talk about gutless.

I see it as a positive sign that these people are too embarrassed to either vote for the Nooras or to admit voting for them.

 

[Syed1]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION], another Noora during the entire last years but suddenly ''voted'' for PTI yet back to his Noora ways.

I guess they are changing the ''I don't support anyone'' mantra to ''I voted for PTI''.

Exactly.... there are a few like him on here who had a change of heart at the last moment

 

[Mamoon]

1) IIRC was explained at the time as being for the whole event, and not just the Geo fella who tried to pass it off as a bill just for his tea and crones. If the Geo lifafi feels the explanation wasn't precise he could've done another programme, instead there's passing tumbleweed. Admit it, it was a hit piece on pti before the elections since pti are running on an anti corruption manifesto.
2) The foreign funding case is still ongoing, legal arguments are being heard, the wheels of justice turn slowly.
3) ECP are probing into that currently, if ECP feel they're unable to deal with it they can pass the file on.

Which event costs 20 crore rupees only for for tea and refreshments? Where did they get the tea from? Let’s face it, all of the money went into the account of the old crook Pervez Khattak.

 

[Mamoon]

I don’t support any party. I voted for PTI again because I felt that they deserve the chance to form a federal government and because Imran deserves a chance as PM to see if he can walk the talk.

That doesn’t mean he is beyond criticism. However, it appears that it is a difficult concept for PTI supporters to understand.

 

[Mamoon]

1) IIRC was explained at the time as being for the whole event, and not just the Geo fella who tried to pass it off as a bill just for his tea and crones. If the Geo lifafi feels the explanation wasn't precise he could've done another programme, instead there's passing tumbleweed. Admit it, it was a hit piece on pti before the elections since pti are running on an anti corruption manifesto.
2) The foreign funding case is still ongoing, legal arguments are being heard, the wheels of justice turn slowly.
3) ECP are probing into that currently, if ECP feel they're unable to deal with it they can pass the file on.

As far as the foreign funding case is concerned, it is ongoing because Imran has refused to attend a single court hearing in the last four years. The wheels of justice never moves when the accused doesn’t show up.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Yes Mr. [MENTION=2501]Savak[/MENTION] I saw your post in BRT Corruption thread where you mentioned the OP [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] saying this :


“ I would have taken the OP seriously if he had created a similar thread on the Punjab Saaf Paani project. ”



I would like you tell us all the compensation you have for Engineer Raja Qamar ul Islam for these 8 months spent in jail ?




You sit in Canada and talk about Accountability, Law & Order, Justice than why you pale when it is demanded for the opposition ?

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Saaf Pani scam: NAB selectively proceeded against two accused


ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that it is prima facie established that NAB “mala fide” proceeded only against two directors of the Punjab Saaf Pani Company (PSPC), Eng Raja Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal.


It also held that there was no violation of rules or allegation of corruption, commission or kickback against seven officials of the PSPC, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Qamarul Islam in awarding the contract for installation of filtration plants in Bahawalpur region.


A two-judge bench comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf on January 30 granted bail to all these accused, arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) eight months back. Qamarul Islam, who was the PML-N candidate in two national and provincial constituencies of Rawalpindi in the July 25 general elections, was taken into custody by the anti-graft watchdog just a month before the polling.


“We have noted that there is absolutely no allegation against the petitioners that they received any commission, kickbacks, illegal gratification while awarding contract.

There is nothing on record that a single penny was paid to them or transferred in their accounts or in the accounts of their relatives or friends. Similarly, there is no allegation that any movable or immovable property was transferred in their names or the names of their relatives or friends,” said the just-released judgement, a copy of which is available with The News. It said that the accused did not commit any illegality in negotiating the price of bid with KSB pumps and its reduction immediately after the opening of the bids.

“We are unable to notice any material illegality or violation of rules/law on the subject. If for the sake of arguments, it is presumed that there was any procedural irregularity in the exercise of jurisdiction by the petitioners, even then the same does not amount to misuse of authority to constitute any offence under Section 9(a)” of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO).

The main allegation against the accused was that they reduced the bid price of the contract from Rs1.14 billion to Rs989 million through post-bid negotiations with the KSB Pumps in order to adjust the bid price with engineering cost estimates of Rs995 million, the judgement noted. The KSB Pumps offered that if the numbers of plants is increased from 84 to 102, it will charge 20% less price of all the plants. This offer was placed before the BoDs, and all the directors unanimously accepted this offer and consequently the price of the plants was reduced.

The verdict said that there is no dispute that KSB Pumps was the lowest bidder and its financial bid of Rs1.14 billion immediately after the opening of the bid through post-bid negotiations got reduced to Rs989 million. The engineering cost estimate of the project was admittedly Rs995 million. It is also an admitted fact that under the relevant rules, the accused/Board of Directors (BoDs) of the PSPC were authorised under the rules to award contract at 4.5% higher amount than that cited in engineering cost estimate.

The verdict said that prima facie, all the proceedings in this case were taken in accordance with the law and rules on the subject; the contract was awarded after acceptance of the negotiated bid of KSB Pumps; and even the contract was signed with the prior approval of the BoDs in its meeting on May 18, 2016.

As many as nine directors, including CEO/director, namely, Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, participated in it along with the five ex-officio directors. It was unanimously approved that additional 36 plants shall be installed without solar system. The BoDs also decided unanimously that the plants shall be built pre-fabricated material. Surprisingly only two directors out of 14, have been made accused for the reasons best known to the NAB, the judgement said.

The NAB prosecutor tried to distinguish the case of Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal from the remaining directors by stating that Qamarul Islam was the convener of the procurement committee and he and Waseem Ajmal being CEO made post-bid changes in violation of the Punjab Procurement Rules, recommended the same for approval to the BoDs and as such their case is distinguishable from remaining directors; therefore, they were not made accused in this case.

The judgement said there is no force in this argument because firstly no illegality has been committed by the accused in making post-bid changes and negotiations with KSB Pums where the bid price was substantially reduced from Rs1.14 billion to Rs989 million and secondly the accused only recommended placing of the contract in favour of KSB Pumps on the basis of the negotiated bid for its approval by the BoDs and final approval was made by all the 14 directors.

The ruling said although it was argued by NAB prosecutor that installation of plants in Tehsil Dunyapur was illegal because it was not included in the priority list of tehsils but admittedly district Lodhran is included in it whereas Dunyapur is a tehsil of district Lodhran. Therefore, in the judges’ view apparently no crime was committed by the accused if they installed filtration plants in Tehsil Dunyapur which was part of district Lodhran.

“We are unable to understand the allegation that the price of the plants could not be further reduced so as to make compatible with the engineering cost estimates when there was no compromise with the quality of plants. No laboratory report has been produced before the court to establish that the plants installed by KSB Pumps were providing low quality/quantity of water from the installed plants.”

The judgement said under the circumstances there is no force in the allegations against Muhammad Masoudul Hassan, Moeenuddin and Muhammad Younas that they wilfully failed to exercise their authority in preventing loss of the State exchequer on account of defective/substandard civil works executed in installation of water filtration plants in Bahawalpur region.


https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/429590-saaf-pani-scam-nab-selectively-proceeded-against-two-accused




Yes Mr [MENTION=2501]Savak[/MENTION] ?

cc [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

From ‘thief’, ‘robber’ mantra to farce Saaf Pani scandal



ISLAMABAD: As the Lahore High Court exposed the NAB for its “mala fide” in making the Saaf Paani case against the PML-N leader Qamarul Islam and others, an official document shows how Shahbaz Sharif, who is dubbed “chor”, daku” and “corrupt” by many in the ruling PTI, played the pivotal role in reducing the original bid price in the same scheme from Rs1.4 billion to Rs995 million.


The document shows that it was on the direction of the then Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif that this massive discount from the original bid was obtained after the KSB Pumps was declared the lowest bidder by the relevant committee.

Additionally, Shahbaz Sharif had also directed that high quality third party international consultancy should be hired to validate all the payments and scope of work completed by the contractors in the Saaf Pani Scheme.

This discount from the original bid of the lowest bidder became one of the major reasons in the LHC order for accepting the bail petition of PML-N leader Engineer Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal last week.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that it is prima facie established that the NAB “mala-fidely” proceeded against two directors of the Punjab Saaf Pani Company (PSPC), Eng. Raja Qamar ul Islam and Waseem Ajmal.

The LHC also held that there was no violation of rules or allegation of corruption, commission or kickback against seven officials of the PSPC including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Qamarul Islam in awarding the contract for installation of filtration plants in Bahawalpur region.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, on January 30 granted bail to all these accused arrested by the NAB eight months back.

Qamarul Islam, who was the PML-N candidate in two national and provincial constituencies of Rawalpindi in July 25 general elections, was taken into custody by the anti-graft watchdog just a month before the polling.


“We have noted that there is absolutely no allegation against the petitioners that they received any commission, kickbacks, illegal gratification while awarding the contract. There is nothing on record that a single penny was paid to them or transferred in their accounts or in the accounts of their relatives or friends. Similarly, there is no allegation that any movable or immovable property was transferred in their names or the names of their relatives or friends,” the judgment said.


It said the accused did not commit any illegality in negotiating the price of bid with KSB Pumps and its reduction immediately after the opening of the bids.

The main allegation against the accused was that they reduced the bid price of the contract from Rs1.14 billion to Rs989 million through post-bid negotiations with the KSB Pumps in order to adjust the bid price with engineering cost estimates of Rs995 million, the judgment noted.

The KSB Pumps offered that if the number of plants is increased from 84 to 102, it will charge 20% less price of all the plants. This offer was placed before the BoDs and all the directors unanimously accepted this offer and consequently the price of the plants was reduced.

The verdict said there is no dispute that KSB Pumps was the lowest bidder and its financial bid of Rs1.14 billion immediately after the opening of the bid through post-bid negotiations got reduced to Rs989 million.

The engineering cost estimate of the project was admittedly Rs995 million.

It is also an admitted fact that under the relevant rules, the accused/Board of Directors (BoDs) of the PSPC were authorized to award the contract at 4.5% higher amount than that cited in engineering cost estimate.

According to the minutes of an official meeting on Punjab Saaf Pani project on 2nd July, 2015 chaired by the then CM Shahbaz Sharif, “CEO Punjab Company gave a presentation on the updated status of Saaf Pani Program.

He apprised the Chair of award of contract @ 20% lowest than the original bid offer in the light of directions of the Chief Minister.”

The minutes also reveal, “The Chair desired that high quality third party international consultancy should be hired to validate all the payments and scope of work completed by the contractors…..”


https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/431544-from-thief-robber-mantra-to-farce-saaf-pani-scandal

 

[Bewal Express]

From ‘thief’, ‘robber’ mantra to farce Saaf Pani scandal



ISLAMABAD: As the Lahore High Court exposed the NAB for its “mala fide” in making the Saaf Paani case against the PML-N leader Qamarul Islam and others, an official document shows how Shahbaz Sharif, who is dubbed “chor”, daku” and “corrupt” by many in the ruling PTI, played the pivotal role in reducing the original bid price in the same scheme from Rs1.4 billion to Rs995 million.


The document shows that it was on the direction of the then Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif that this massive discount from the original bid was obtained after the KSB Pumps was declared the lowest bidder by the relevant committee.

Additionally, Shahbaz Sharif had also directed that high quality third party international consultancy should be hired to validate all the payments and scope of work completed by the contractors in the Saaf Pani Scheme.

This discount from the original bid of the lowest bidder became one of the major reasons in the LHC order for accepting the bail petition of PML-N leader Engineer Qamarul Islam and Waseem Ajmal last week.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that it is prima facie established that the NAB “mala-fidely” proceeded against two directors of the Punjab Saaf Pani Company (PSPC), Eng. Raja Qamar ul Islam and Waseem Ajmal.

The LHC also held that there was no violation of rules or allegation of corruption, commission or kickback against seven officials of the PSPC including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Qamarul Islam in awarding the contract for installation of filtration plants in Bahawalpur region.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Mirza Viqas Rauf, on January 30 granted bail to all these accused arrested by the NAB eight months back.

Qamarul Islam, who was the PML-N candidate in two national and provincial constituencies of Rawalpindi in July 25 general elections, was taken into custody by the anti-graft watchdog just a month before the polling.


“We have noted that there is absolutely no allegation against the petitioners that they received any commission, kickbacks, illegal gratification while awarding the contract. There is nothing on record that a single penny was paid to them or transferred in their accounts or in the accounts of their relatives or friends. Similarly, there is no allegation that any movable or immovable property was transferred in their names or the names of their relatives or friends,” the judgment said.


It said the accused did not commit any illegality in negotiating the price of bid with KSB Pumps and its reduction immediately after the opening of the bids.

The main allegation against the accused was that they reduced the bid price of the contract from Rs1.14 billion to Rs989 million through post-bid negotiations with the KSB Pumps in order to adjust the bid price with engineering cost estimates of Rs995 million, the judgment noted.

The KSB Pumps offered that if the number of plants is increased from 84 to 102, it will charge 20% less price of all the plants. This offer was placed before the BoDs and all the directors unanimously accepted this offer and consequently the price of the plants was reduced.

The verdict said there is no dispute that KSB Pumps was the lowest bidder and its financial bid of Rs1.14 billion immediately after the opening of the bid through post-bid negotiations got reduced to Rs989 million.

The engineering cost estimate of the project was admittedly Rs995 million.

It is also an admitted fact that under the relevant rules, the accused/Board of Directors (BoDs) of the PSPC were authorized to award the contract at 4.5% higher amount than that cited in engineering cost estimate.

According to the minutes of an official meeting on Punjab Saaf Pani project on 2nd July, 2015 chaired by the then CM Shahbaz Sharif, “CEO Punjab Company gave a presentation on the updated status of Saaf Pani Program.

He apprised the Chair of award of contract @ 20% lowest than the original bid offer in the light of directions of the Chief Minister.”

The minutes also reveal, “The Chair desired that high quality third party international consultancy should be hired to validate all the payments and scope of work completed by the contractors…..”


https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/431544-from-thief-robber-mantra-to-farce-saaf-pani-scandal

The LHC - lol.