The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Thursday unearthed a corruption scam involving Rs36.2 million through fake billing at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, while arresting key suspects during ongoing operations.
Addressing a press conference, Deputy Director FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Lahore Syed Asad Muzaffar said that funds meant for public health were embezzled through forged bills and fake signatures. The inquiry, which began in July, has now been completed. He revealed that officers of Grade-19 and other ranks were involved in the scam, adding that the embezzled amount was withdrawn in the names of doctors. In several cases, accounts office officials misused consultants’ names to misappropriate funds. Asad said that over a period of around one-and-a-half years, as many as 156 fake bills were passed, while attempts were made to link 131 fake bills with 56 doctors. He added that investigations into financial irregularities at the hospital are still under way.
The arrested suspects have been obtained on four-day physical remand for further investigation, he added. In a separate case, the FIA is also investigating corruption in property transactions linked to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). The deputy director said that a Grade-18 officer, Akram Joiya, is allegedly involved in corrupt practices related to property dealings, and further investigation is underway.
Separately, the FIA has also arrested a line superintendent of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs1 million. Strict action is being taken against corruption in all sectors and operations will continue to eliminate corrupt practices, he added.