PM orders to conduct forensic audit of ETPB

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minster Imran Khan on Tuesday ordered to conduct a forensic audit of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

He issued these directives during a briefing by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Dr Noorul Haq Qadri in Islamabad on the working of the board.

The prime minister expressed grave concern over the reports of wide scale administrative and financial irregularities in the board.

He directed that all the matters relating to the ETPB would be presented before the next meeting of the cabinet.

Read More: ETPB leases out Haji Camp in Lahore at meager rates

It was decided in principle that a special task force will be constituted to check all the irregularities in the board and to revamp it to ensure best use of its properties.

Last year in March, the ETPB had leased out land of Haji Camp Lahore.

The prime land measuring 19 kanal and 11 marla had been leased at a meager rate of 500,000 rupees per kanal. The total premium of Rs 194 million is for a period 30 years which is extendable.

The market rate for lands in the vicinity and adjoining areas ranges between 1.2 million to 1.9 million per kanal.

The ETPB is reported to have leased the land to increase its income. This is also likely to affect training to Hajj pilgrims as suitable alternatives have not been provided for it.