Action sought against Pakistan army officers for $1.4 bn fraud

The committee met to review financial irregularities worth Rs.123 billion in the defence ministry and its subordinate departments.

The audit authorities informed the committee that 700 acres of land were occupied by the national logistics cell (NLC) in Gujranwala for which it has not paid land rent amounting to Rs.6.9 million.  

NLC has become a mafia and no action is taken against army officers, said Noor Alam Khan, a committee member.

The committee was informed that despite committee directives, illegal use of A-1 land was continuing and land of fortress stadium in Lahore has been commercialised. The army owes Rs.283 billion to the government in this connection.

The committee also took serious note of non-payment of excessive electricity dues worth Rs.35 billion by eight units of the army garrison in Rawalpindi.

Despite clear directives of PAC, Director General Military Lands and Cantonment has refused to return Rs.20 million. 

The committee was informed that Rs.20 million was given to Rawalpindi Cantt Board for water supply scheme in 2000 but the amount was used for construction of roads without approval.

The committee ordered DG Military Lands and Cantonment to return the amount. But he refused to comply.