The spokes-man for Engineering Development Board (EDB) has clarified the news published by Business Recorder (January 28) entitled 'EDB spends Rs 3.8 million on purchase of new vehicles', by saying that four vehicles of EDB were condemned by condemnation committee constituted under the directive of Establishment Division under circular No 6-7(1)02-MII dated June 29, 2007.
The vehicles were subsequently sold/auctioned by EDB. The vehicles purchased by EDB are in replacement of four condemned/sold vehicles. The spokesman further clarified that the Cabinet Division through its circular No 6-7(1)02-MII dated July 29, 2005 has empowered Secretaries Incharge to sanction purchase of new vehicles in replacement of condemned vehicles. Hence the Secretary, Industries & Production was competent to allow the purchase of these vehicles.
He added that a number of industrial and foreign dignitaries/consultants frequently visit EDB; as such the vehicles are also used for their protocol duties. The Board, duly concerned about economic difficulties of the country, did not purchase the new vehicle for its CEO Aitazaz A. Niazi despite his entitlement. The officer is using six-year-old vehicle for his official duties.-PR