Two retired generals awarded sentences in NLC scam

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army on Wednesday awarded punishment to two accused retired General Officers in light of finding of the inquiry into the National Logistic Cell (NLC) embezzlement scandal.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) – the media awing of Pakistan Army, Maj Gen (retd) Khalid Zahir Akhter has been “Dismissed from Service”, which implies; forfeiture of rank, decorations, medals, honours, awards, seizure of pension, recovery of personal gains, cancellation of service benefits and all other allied facilities including medical etc.

Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Afzal Muzaffar, on the other hand, has been awarded “Severe Displeasure (Recordable)” which in essence is a disciplinary award due to an offence of lesser degree i.e. violation of procedures but no personal gains.

Whereas, Lt Gen (retd) Khalid Munir Khan has not been found involved in any financial irregularity or serious misconduct and therefore stands absolved from all charges, said the statement.

In February 2009, the Public Accounts Committee observed violations in implementation of Board of Directors’ Instructions and rules and regulations with regards to investment made by the NLC that allegedly caused financial losses to the organisation.

Consequently, Secretary Planning & Development Division constituted an inquiry committee. Though the committee did not accuse any individual for embezzlement or misappropriation; however, it highlighted financial irregularities, lack of transparency and failure to observe rules and regulations caused by reckless decisions of the chain of command of NLC.

Upon conclusion of the process, the Committee referred the case to the Ministry of Defence for necessary disposal. By November 2010, the Pak Army commenced a Court of Inquiry that was followed by recording of Summary of Evidence in September 2011.

However, decision remained pended as some additional documentary evidences were provided by the retired General Officers, which needed scrutiny and time to establish their veracity.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif had instructed to dispose of the case on fast track for want of justice and transparency. Hence, the case was re-investigated by a committee of high ranking officers.

After months of exhaustive sessions, evaluation of record of investments and interviews of all the witnesses, the inquiry has now been concluded and has established that two retired General Officers and one civilian officer Mr. Saeed ur Rehman were indeed responsible for making incorrect decisions of investments in violation to NLC rules and regulations thereby causing losses to the organisation during this period.

Army in line with its traditions has always and will continue to maintain highest standards of accountability, justice and fair-play, the detailed ISPR statement concluded.