SC directs NAB to probe Thar coal project

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to probe embezzlement of funds in the Thar coal project.

A three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed heard the suo motu case pertaining to alleged financial irregularities and loss caused to the national exchequer in the Thar coal gasification project.

The apex court ordered that chairman NAB to submit his initial report within three months after reviewing the auditor general report regarding corruption in the Thar coal project.

During the hearing, the chief justice expressed annoyance that no action was taken on the recommendations and findings of the auditor general’s report regarding the Thar coal project.

Citing the report, the court remarked that “funds for welfare schemes have not been used in a transparent manner”.

The bench further observed that neither RO plants were set up as required nor was clean drinking water was available.

Also read: SSRL funds relocation of hundreds of families affected by Thar coal project

Supreme Court remarked that on the report of AGP Sindh government failed to take any action.

Expressing displeasure, Justice Gulzar said that even solar power generation plants could not be installed for water filtration plants.

“Apparently there were misappropriations and irregularities in the development and welfare funds,” he added.

The court said that the facility of the mobile emergency health unit was also not provided.

The apex court adjourned a hearing for three months.