Serious financial and administrative irregularities have surfaced in the under-construction bus terminal project near the Northern Bypass Motorway Junction in Peshawar.
A recent report by the Planning and Development Department (P&D) has revealed the use of substandard construction materials and submission of fake performance bank guarantees by contractors, raising serious concerns over the project's transparency.
According to the report, while 48% financial progress has been shown on paper, only 30% of the physical work has been completed.
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The investigation further found collusion between officials and contractors to extract financial benefits, severely compromising the quality and integrity of the project.
The report also highlighted the use of defective tiles, rusted steel, and poor-quality construction materials. Environmental protection protocols and other mandatory requirements were blatantly ignored during construction. Contractors were also blamed for deliberate delays in the project's execution.
The P&D department has recommended a complete redesign of the terminal and reworking of the substandard construction. It also called for action against the officials involved and the imposition of fines. Most notably, it urged the matter be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or the Anti-Corruption Department.
Meanwhile, NAB has already launched an inquiry into the project. According to sources, NAB has formally informed the Secretary of Local Government about the investigation involving officials of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) and the construction companies involved.
