Authorities suspend CDA driver acting as supervisor of diplomatic shuttle service
ISLAMABAD:
Irregularities were noted in the operation of the diplomatic shuttle service in the highly sensitive red zone of the federal capital, with reports claiming that the service was operating under the supervision of a CDA driver and private security guards were deployed at the premises, surprising even officials of the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).
Following complaints about irregularities in the shuttle service, DMA Director Syeda Anam Fatima visited the shuttle service area and ordered action against those involved. During the inspection, one person was arrested for overcharging passengers and was transferred to the Secretariat police station.
According to sources, the visit also revealed that private security guards have been deployed at the shuttle diplomacy service, although the facility is now operated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The DMA director ordered the withdrawal of the private guards and directed that police personnel be deployed in their place.
Additionally, the acting supervisor of the shuttle service, Aijaz Qureshi, was suspended for alleged irregularities. Sources said Qureshi, who is formally employed as a driver in the DMA, was performing supervisory duties at the sensitive facilities of the shuttle service.
Sources further claimed that the private guards had been posted in the shuttle service area for several years and had remained there even after the service came under official government management. Complaints have also been filed against some of these guards, alleging their involvement in sending people to embassies without appointments in exchange for money.
A few months ago, the UAE embassy reportedly raised concerns after dozens of people arrived at the embassy on the same day without a valid appointment, after paying middlemen. Embassy officials reportedly refused to entertain the visitors after discovering they did not have appointments. The incident reportedly sparked protests by those affected outside the shuttle service area, prompting police to intervene to disperse the crowd.
Sources said allegations of corruption and irregularities in the diplomatic shuttle service had already been reported to higher authorities by various institutions but no effective action had been taken. They claimed those involved were too influential to control.
