ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected turn of events at the National Highway Authority (NHA), Taimour Hassan, the General Manager Revenue, has been relieved of his duties amid serious corruption allegations. This decision is part of a broader shakeup initiated by the government, aimed at addressing widespread irregularities within the organization.
The NHA, responsible for managing Pakistan’s vast network of highways and toll operations, has come under scrutiny following allegations of misconduct in the awarding of toll plaza contracts. The situation prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to call for a thorough inquiry into the authority’s operations, leading to the recent dismissal of several top officials, including the Chairman Sheheryar Sultan and Member Administration Omer Saeed Chaudhry.
Taimour Hassan, a long-serving official in the revenue section of the NHA, was known for his influential status, reportedly having forged strong relationships within political and administrative circles. This network had previously made him a seemingly untouchable figure within the authority.
However, recent developments indicate a shift in the government’s approach towards accountability. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan had initially attempted to remove Hassan from his post over a week ago, but these attempts were met with delays. The situation escalated during a tense meeting where Khan publicly criticized Hassan, demanding his immediate removal in the presence of the NHA’s new Chairman, Captain (R) Asadullah Khan.
Despite Hassan’s temporary leave of absence following the meeting, his return to office signaled continued resistance to the minister’s orders. This prompted renewed pressure from the ministerial office, ultimately resulting in Hassan’s formal dismissal on Thursday.
The removal of Taimour Hassan and other key officials is seen as a critical step towards restoring integrity within the NHA. The inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Sharif is expected to uncover further details regarding the extent of irregularities in toll operations and may lead to more reforms within the authority.
As the situation develops, stakeholders and the public alike are awaiting further announcements regarding the outcome of the ongoing investigations. The government’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to rebuild trust in one of Pakistan’s most vital infrastructure bodies.
