Officials accused of influencing investigations and forming “internal mafias” removed from office
ISLAMABAD:
In a bid to combat corruption and administrative misconduct, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has dismissed 107 officers ranging from grade 19 to 16 from their posts amid allegations of corruption, abuse of power and attempts to influence departmental investigations.
According to reliable sources, these agents had long been under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in corruption scandals and for manipulating ongoing investigations in collaboration with investigators to avoid accountability.
Some were accused of giving and receiving “discount vouchers” as part of mutual settlements.
Sources told The Express PK Press Club that ADC Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa had, three months ago, secretly ordered the member administration to draw up a list – strictly on merit – of officers under investigation or those whose reputations were being tarnished.
The President reportedly warned that any bias, favoritism or victimization in the preparation of the list would result in disciplinary action against the officials concerned.
Following these instructions, the member administration completed the process within three months. President Randhawa subsequently named the initiative “Operation Clean-Up,” pledging to purge the CDA of “black sheep” at all costs.
The President further said that other corrupt officers and officials would also be removed from their key posts in the coming days.
Sources said that for years, many of these senior officers had held important positions, forming a powerful internal network that allegedly interfered with routine public affairs to obtain personal gains through their subordinates.
Randhawa ordered that if any officer or civil servant creates unnecessary obstacles to the legitimate work of citizens in the future, he will not only be removed from service but also discharged without retirement benefits.
The legal arm of the CDA has been tasked with actively pursuing all related cases in court, with the intention of further strengthening it by hiring competent lawyers. Randhawa said those found guilty would serve as an example to discourage corruption in the authority.
Among the 107 sacked officers are several high-ranking civil servants, including Grade 19 Director Law Abdul Hakeem Berrero, Training Academy Director and Labor Director Mumtaz Ali Sher, Director Human Resource Law Enforcement and Administration, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad Deputy Director General (HR Admin) Kashif Shah, Civil Director Rana Tariq Mahmood (who also served as Deputy Director General of Metro Bus) and Additional Director E&DM and Operations Zafar Iqbal, who had additional responsibility for 1122 Emergency Services.
