Alleged maladministration in accounts: Sukhera to probe director DRAP
Aftab Ahmed
Islamabad: The government has authorized secretary commerce Sardar Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera to initiate inquiry against director Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for alleged involvement in maladministration in budget and accounts.
Azhar Ali was appointed as director Budget and Accounts equivalent BS-20 with effect from September 19, 2016 following recommendations of Policy Board and with the approval of then Prime Minister.
The authority in its 63rd meeting held on February 26, 2019 discussed the issue of maladministration in the budget and accounts division of DRAP. The authority has also reported the administrative ministry for initiation of disciplinary proceedings against Mr Azhar Ali director Budget and Accounts DRAP to protect the interest of the organization.
Secretary NHSR and C Division in his capacity as chairman of the Policy Board of DRAP had conveyed to the government that a formal inquiry should be conducted against the officer to enquire into the allegations against him. Further, it was proposed that he may be removed the position of director Budget and Finance DRAP and directed to report to ministry so that the inquiry may be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
The concerned NHSR had recommended three names to the prime minister who included secretary commerce, secretary privatization commission and secretary Inter Provincial Coordination Division to be authorized as inquiry officer to initiate formal probe. However, secretary commerce has been authorized to serve show cause notice to director DRAP to initiate formal inquiry.
