SHC calls authority's comments in wheat transporation awards case

KARACHI (PPI): Sindh High Court Tuesday directed Additional Advocate General Sindh to file comments of concerned authority on award of contract for transportation of government-procured wheat to warehouses in Karachi and interior Sindh. Petitioner, transporter Khadim Hussain, submitted contracts under policy for year 2009-10 were awarded at excessive rates. The rate fixed last year was Rs48 per bag while new at Rs98 per bag, causing Rs 660 million loss to national exchequer. The exorbitant rate would not only be burden on public exchequer but would also raise price of wheat. He stated according to public procurement policy formulated for award of government contracts, rates be fixed in accordance with prevailing market rates as well as rates prescribed last year. Deputy Director Food Karachi acted arbitrarily and awarded questionable contracts to six transportation companies. He prayed to order inquiry into award of illegal contracts. SHC division bench, comprising Justice Mushir Alam & Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed after hearing arguments directed counsel to satisfy court as to locus standi of petitioner to impugned act of respondents without being directly affected by award of contract and directed AAG Sarwar Khan to call comments from authority concerned.