ISLAMABAD: In an apparent attempt to avoid criticism following austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the incumbent chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has allegedly stopped using a recently acquired luxury Land Cruiser.
It is pertinent to mention that CDA employees were denied Eid allowance on the last Eid ul Fitr despite days-long protests and sit-ins, with the administration citing financial constraints.
Sources told Infra News Pk that the CDA chairman recently managed to procure a Land Cruiser through a development project and had been using it for official movement. Under existing practices, vehicles can be included in the PC-I of major development projects to meet operational requirements. However, officials say such provisions are often misused, with vehicles retained by senior officers without proper government record.
According to sources, the chairman is not entitled to use a Land Cruiser under the prescribed rules but opted for this route to acquire the vehicle. He was seen visiting CDA headquarters in the same vehicle, reportedly bearing registration number CC-1 (Chief Commissioner-I), a number already assigned to his official Toyota Fortuner.
However, following the prime minister’s austerity directives, the chairman reportedly discontinued use of the vehicle to avoid public scrutiny. Sources claimed the vehicle is currently parked at his residence.
The CDA’s Director Public Relations Shahid Kiani was approached with a questionnaire regarding the matter but had not responded till the filing of this report. Earlier, few months ago, the CDA also acquired new Honda Civic cars for its board members as well and same were also booked against development projects.
