PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to investigate into all matters related to the procurement of school furniture by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education department.
A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan directed the Director General NAB to investigate the Rs6 billions worth contracts awarded by the government and submit reports within two weeks.
Read more:
Girls school opens in Miranshah after nine years: Tarakai
PHC extends PML-N leader’s pre-arrest bail
High Court moved against ‘unconstitutional’ gas outages
Justice Qaiser Rashid issued the orders during the hearing of a case related to provision of furniture to schools. Director General NAB Farooq Awan, Director Elementary and Secondary Education and NAB’s Deputy Prosecutor appeared before the bench in the country. On this occasion, the Additional Director of Education told the court that the provincial government has released Rs6 billion to purchase furniture of schools in settled district. The official said that funds will also be issued to purchase furniture for schools in seven tribal districts.
Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked that Rs6 billion was released on the direction of the court although it is the responsibility of the government and right of children to get proper education facilities. Justice Qaiser remarked that despite all claims, children still sit on ‘taat’ in government schools.
The Peshawar High Court Chief Justice questioned the quotation process of furniture procurement and asked the official how transparent the tender process was? On this additional advocate general Sikandar Hayat Shah said that director education is monitoring the whole process. On this, the Chief Justice said that the director must ensure transparency.
The chief justice ordered NAB to investigate the bidden process and submit reports within two weeks. The Justice also directed the DG NAB to monitor the process of building and ensure transparency in the entire process and ensure that the schools are provided quality furniture. The bench later adjourned the case till 9th December.