Islamabad: Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately halt the Pakistan Airports Authority’s (PAA) proposed Rs. 20 billion e-Gate project, urging an independent inquiry into allegations that public procurement rules were violated.
Letter Raises Procurement Concerns
In a letter sent to the Prime Minister’s Office on July 16, TIP said it had received a complaint alleging that PAA sidestepped an open, international competitive bidding process. The complaint claims that authorities instead sought to award the contract directly to a single private company by invoking Rule 42(f) of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules, 2004.
TIP Recommends Suspension Pending Inquiry
The anti-corruption watchdog said a preliminary review indicated the allegations carried merit and recommended that the procurement process be suspended until an independent inquiry is completed.
Calls for Transparent Rebidding and Accountability
TIP further urged the government to reopen the process through an open, transparent international competitive bidding exercise if the inquiry confirms the alleged irregularities. It also called for action against any officials found responsible for breaching procurement rules.
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