DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The tender process for the streetlights project in the provincial capital has been cancelled after irregularities were detected during the procurement process conducted by the local government department.
According to an official statement, an inquiry into the tendering process was completed following a complaint filed by the Contractors Association, leading to a detailed review of the bidding procedure.
The statement said that the inquiry report found that 31 bidders had been disqualified under the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) criteria, a decision which was later also endorsed as correct by the inquiry committee.
However, the committee observed that the non-litigation certificate submitted by the successful firm was invalid, resulting in its disqualification from the process.
The matter also came under hearing before the Peshawar High Court in a case involving Mian Ghazi Enterprises.
Following the findings, authorities cancelled the entire tender process on the grounds of violation of NIT conditions and recommended action against members of the procurement committee for procedural lapses.
Officials also recommended re-tendering of the project and issued instructions for strict compliance with procurement rules to ensure transparency in future processes.
Meanwhile, the provincial minister for local government Meena Khan Afridi, while reacting to the inquiry findings, said the provincial government was committed to ensuring a transparent and merit-based procurement system.
He said that every complaint would be addressed without exception, adding that “corruption-free, recommendation-free and transparent governance will be ensured at every level.”
Mr Afridi further stated that no one could misuse public funds in a democratic system and urged citizens to report any irregularities so that timely action could be taken.
