Apropos a news item in Business Recorder dated August 29, 2010 titled, 'PSO awarded illegal contract to security firm: TI Pakistan' the company categorically denies these allegations laid by Transparency International Pakistan. The statement that PSO has awarded contract for security of PSO installations, to a single firm, FIST Security without public tendering, is factually incorrect and misleading.
"The Company has followed PPRA rules all along, where prequalification ad for security agencies was issued on 2nd May, 2010. Out of the 23 parties received, 16 prequalified meeting the criteria outlined. Tender was floated to the qualified parties on August 4th, 2010. Sealed bids were received on 12th August, 2010, which have been opened and are currently under review and internal assessments are in progress. PSO categorically denies the misleading statement of awarding of a security contract to M/s Fist as no contract has yet been awarded to any security company. Moreover, the amount of 121 million is misleading and considerably exorbitant as PSO's budgetary outlay for security is much less than this stated amount.
"The Company furthermore clarifies that GM Security, Colonel Fazal Abbas (retd), currently an employee of PSO, was said to be hired by PSO at 57 years whereas the rule of PSO is max age limit of 55 years. This is a baseless accusation again, as the said employee had not reached 55 years of age at the time of his appointment. Any unfair accusation aimed at smearing the reputation of the employees is severely condemned by the Company.
"PSO expresses concern over Transparency International Pakistan's continuous frivolous attempts at maligning the image of PSO. The Company would like Transparency International Pakistan to contact the Managing Director directly to prevent any facts being misconstrued. If any discrepancy is found, PSO's management would investigate on its own and ensure all rules and regulations are complied with.
"As the country's largest energy provider, PSO bears a huge responsibility and shall not succumb to pressure laid by entities such as Transparency International Pakistan, who should desist with the blame game and focus on real issues facing the country at this time of crisis."