ISLAMABAD: A departmental inquiry into the mysterious disappearance of a luxury Honda Accord, valued at over Rs 10 million, from the Cabinet Division’s car pool has concluded, with the matter now referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further legal action.
According to informed sources, the missing vehicle, bearing registration number 074, was part of the Cabinet Division’s VVIP fleet and was used regularly for official delegations. Following the inquiry, the investigation has recommended the registration of a case against four officials: Section Officer Aamir Qureshi, Section Officer Rashid Saleem Bhatti, Transport Supervisor Arshad Shah, and a driver named Muhammad Bashir.
The inquiry uncovered that the luxury car was allegedly handed over by Joint Secretary Rana Manzoor Ahmed to a woman described as his close associate. However, both the Joint Secretary and the woman have denied any knowledge of the vehicle’s disappearance.
Sources within the Cabinet Division suggest that efforts were made during the inquiry to protect the Joint Secretary and his alleged associate from being implicated in the case, possibly to shield other senior officials who are said to be close to the woman involved.
The inquiry process has raised concerns over accountability and transparency within high government offices, particularly in relation to the misuse of state resources and the protection of influential figures. There are allegations that certain senior officials might have attempted to prevent the matter from escalating to avoid potential embarrassment.
In an official communication to the Director General of the FIA, the Cabinet Division has recommended that criminal proceedings be initiated against the four junior staff members, placing full responsibility for the vehicle’s disappearance on them.
The case has sparked significant concerns about the misuse of government property, as well as questions surrounding the influence and protection of high-ranking officials within the Cabinet Division. As the FIA prepares to launch its own investigation into the matter, there are hopes that this case will lead to greater accountability and a more transparent investigation process.
