Major Irregularities Alleged in Balochistan Irrigation Department Auctions, Treasury Reportedly Suffers Over Rs1 Billion Loss
QUETTA (Daily Qudrat): Alleged large-scale irregularities have been uncovered in two auctions of vehicles, machinery and other equipment conducted by the Balochistan Irrigation Department in 2024, with sources claiming that the national exchequer suffered losses of more than Rs1 billion.
The Anti-Corruption Establishment has taken notice of the alleged irregularities and launched an investigation into the auctions held in February and October 2024.
According to sources, more than 70 vehicles and pieces of heavy machinery belonging to the Irrigation Department were auctioned, including Land Cruisers, Hino trucks, Toyota Hilux vehicles, double-cabin pickups, Pajeros, Potohar jeeps, excavators, bulldozers, road rollers and other valuable equipment.
Sources claimed that an excavator worth tens of millions of rupees was allegedly auctioned for only Rs1.1 million. Hino trucks were reportedly sold for between Rs600,000 and Rs800,000, while Land Cruisers were allegedly auctioned for between Rs300,000 and Rs400,000.
Toyota Hilux vehicles and other vehicles were reportedly sold for approximately Rs250,000 to Rs350,000. Pajero vehicles were allegedly auctioned for amounts ranging from Rs150,000 to Rs300,000, while a Potohar jeep was reportedly sold for only Rs70,000.
According to a private television report, large generators, a mobile workshop and other heavy equipment were also allegedly auctioned at exceptionally low prices.
The Irrigation Department’s mobile workshop, reportedly worth tens of millions of rupees, was allegedly auctioned for slightly more than Rs1 million.
Sources further claimed that some vehicles and machinery declared unserviceable could have been restored to working condition through minor repairs and servicing but were nevertheless included in the auctions.
The auctions also reportedly included generators, electrical cables, doors, scrap material and other valuable items.
The Anti-Corruption Establishment has initiated an investigation after taking notice of the alleged irregularities. Officials responsible for the auctions and other relevant individuals are expected to be questioned as part of the inquiry.
The investigation will determine whether the auction process involved violations, undervaluation or other irregularities and whether any individuals caused financial loss to the national exchequer.
