Contractor Among Four Arrested Over Alleged Corruption and Use of Substandard Material in Toba Tek Singh Development Project

By Zafar Chishti/ ANI
TOBA TEK SINGH: Acting on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team conducted a surprise inspection of the ongoing Model Village Project in Toba Tek Singh to ensure transparency, quality and the proper utilization of public funds. During the inspection, the team allegedly uncovered the use of substandard construction material and suspected financial irregularities. Following the findings, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested four individuals, including the contractor.
According to official sources, the CM Inspection Team, led by the Chief Minister’s Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza, carried out a detailed inspection of the development project in a suburban village of Toba Tek Singh. The team thoroughly examined the quality of construction work, the material being used, technical standards and the overall progress of the project.During the visit, samples of construction material were collected from different locations and sent for laboratory testing. The laboratory report allegedly found that the material used in the project did not meet the prescribed government quality standards, strengthening concerns regarding the use of substandard material and possible financial irregularities.On the basis of the laboratory findings, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) launched immediate legal action and arrested the contractor along with three other individuals on allegations of corruption and substandard construction work. Officials said investigations are underway, while project records, payments, tendering procedures and the execution of construction work are also being thoroughly examined to determine the responsibility of all those involved.
Authorities stated that if further investigations establish the involvement, negligence or collusion of any government officials or other individuals, strict legal action will also be taken against them in accordance with the law. Relevant departments have been directed to provide all necessary records for the inquiry.Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reiterated that there will be no compromise on quality, transparency and the protection of public interest in development projects. She directed the authorities to ensure that all projects funded by taxpayers are completed according to the highest construction standards, adding that anyone found involved in embezzlement of public funds, the use of substandard material or any other irregularity will face strict and indiscriminate legal action.The provincial administration further stated that monitoring of development projects across Punjab is being strengthened, while surprise inspections will continue in different districts to ensure quality public infrastructure and prevent any misuse of public resources.