RAWALPINDI: The District Authority of Rawalpindi has initiated probe into into unauthorized recovery of billboards across the district.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi, Hasan Waqar Cheema, has swiftly responded to allegations of embezzlement involving millions of rupees in the recovery of billboards.
He has directed responsible officials from the District Council to provide a detailed record explaining the basis for recovering funds without a proper tender or contract.
In a proactive move, the DC, who also serves as the Administrator of the District Court, has instructed Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning), Rameesha Javed, to conduct an investigation into the matter and submit a comprehensive report by Saturday.
On Friday, the DC halted the ongoing recovery of billboards within the jurisdiction of the District Council.
He also ordered close monitoring of Raja Muhammad Hafeez, an Assistant Superintendent in the District Council who oversees issues related to tax collection on billboards.
Notably, this marked the first instance in the history of District Council Rawalpindi that officers were conducting the recovery of more than 1,000 billboards without proper tender or contract.
This recovery process had been ongoing for over seven months without adherence to proper procedures.
Additionally, numerous billboards were erected within housing societies under the jurisdiction of the District Council, from which substantial amounts were being collected in the name of recovery.
Cheema emphasized his commitment to addressing this serious issue and pledged to hold accountable any officer found involved in corrupt practices.
Moreover, he appointed Rameesha Javed to lead the investigation and assured that a detailed report on the matter would be submitted within 24 hours.
The DC stated that the collection of funds without a proper tender or contract is unacceptable and that the process will be rectified through a transparent open auction.
Moreover, the existence of over 1,000 illegally installed billboards within the District Council’s jurisdiction posed not only a threat to pedestrians and motorists but also resulted in significant revenue losses for the authorities.
According to the Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA), collecting taxes on billboards without proper tender or contract is deemed illegal.
Any such recovery activity undertaken without proper procedures would be considered an unauthorized practice, as highlighted by PHA officials.
Rameesha Javed expressed astonishment at the irregularities and indicated that she has directed District Council officers to provide a detailed report on tax collection from billboards.
She noted that understanding how revenue was collected without adhering to proper tendering and contractual practices is a matter of concern.
Besides, Fazal-e-Akram, Chief Officer of District Council Rawalpindi, acknowledged that recoveries had been made from billboards, but assured that proper papers for tendering and contracting are ready and will be published shortly.
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