ISLAMABAD: The federal government has formed two separate committees to expedite accountability after the alleged over-invoicing scandal in the import of solar panels, aimed at overseeing disciplinary action, investigation and legal proceedings.
According to officials, the scandal has revealed massive financial irregularities, including alleged corruption of billions of rupees through forged documents and fictitious trade transactions. The Customs Adjudication Authority found in its investigation that many of the importing companies were mere shell companies with no real business activity.
The first committee, which will oversee disciplinary action, will review actions against officers and officials suspected of administrative negligence or aiding in the scandal. The committee will determine liability and also review cases where allegations could not be proven in earlier investigations.
The committee will be headed by the Secretary Establishment Division and will include representatives from the State Bank, Ministry of Finance, FBR, FIA and Intelligence Bureau. The committee has been mandated to submit its report to the Prime Minister’s Office every two weeks.
The second committee has been set up to oversee investigations and prosecutions, which will focus specifically on cases related to trade-based money laundering. This committee will improve coordination between the relevant agencies and ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in cases.
The prime minister has specifically directed the law ministry to appoint two special prosecutors in Islamabad and Karachi to expedite the cases.
According to officials, a total of Rs111 billion in fines have been imposed on those involved in the scandal, while the next phase will focus on the recovery of these fines and confiscation of illegal assets.
The matter became more sensitive when it came to the suspension of an officer who is being claimed to have exposed the scandal. Observers say that if the accountability process is to be effective, an impartial review of this aspect will also be necessary.
According to experts, government reforms and oversight measures may help prevent such financial crimes in the future, but transparency and institutional strength are key.
