In defence of being identified as one of the top 10 most corrupt institutions in Pakistan by the Transparency International (TI), well placed sources in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) maintained that no solid evidence against the Authority was provided in the report.
The TI failed to identify the volume of corruption and/or attribute it to any specific officer/official of the CDA. Sources maintained that CDA is working under pressure, including financial crunch, and it has not abandoned any project of public importance.
When asked why the CDA had not responded to the report so far, the sources added that there was no solid evidence of corruption and all they are saying is 'imaginary', which does not merit response.
The TI had referred to the tender notice for construction of additional family suites in Parliament Lodges along with 500 servant quarters; the CDA sources added that no details or specifications are given in advertisements, however, the contractor does consider the details before tabling his bid. This is routine and no institution gives minute details of the project in tender notice as that would require several newspaper pages, they added. Secondly the project for the construction of additional family suites in Parliament Lodges was abandoned.
All tenders were advertised by the CDA as per rules of the PPRA and there has been no violation of these rules.
Placing an institution among top ten corrupt institutions without giving any solid example of corruption is not justified and speaks volumes about the intent of the people making such reports, sources said indignantly, adding that the TI Pakistan chapter had asked the CDA to sign MoU for 'integrity pact' to make sure transparency in the procurement system of the institution. The proposal was sent to the legal branch, which turned it down. The CDA has its own system of checks and balances to ensure transparency in the procurement system while there are watchdogs of the government to check the system, the source said.
When Business Recorder contacted the TI Pakistan Chairman, Adil Gilani seeking additional information regarding corruption in CDA, he categorically said that the documents placed on TI's website are sufficient. He insisted that he had requested CDA to sign the 'integrity pact' to ensure transparency.
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