The source said being a chartered accountant (CA) was mandatory for the post but the CFO served in the project for three years without having the relevant qualification and had again got fresh contract illegally with the support of some influential persons in WAPDA and the federal ministry.
The 47th Board of Director (BOD) meeting of NJHPC held on May 30, had rejected the proposal to award fresh contract to CFO Mohammad Hamid Mehmood.
The board meeting mentioned in its documents – which are available with NayaDaur Media – that “In case of Mr Mohammad Hamid Mahmood the offer of appointment dated 24th June 2016, does not provide any provision for extension of contract beyond 3 years, therefore fresh hiring process may be initiated on competitive basis as per PPRA Ordinance 2002 and the rules and regulations made under there”.
Although the board meeting suggested that a proper advertisement will be published and all staff will be hired through competitive process, no advertisements were issued with selection made inside the department in violations of the PPRA rules.
When contacted, another source in the water and power ministry said the liability period of Chinese was going to end by the year-end but no staff was hired to run the project. He added that according to bylaws, new staff was to be trained Chinese experts.
The source in WAPDA said the CFO enjoyed worst reputation during the three year period and the fresh contract was a disaster for the project. He claimed added that the CFO was facing multiple sexual harassment charges and had been threatening the employees.
“He threatened the employees of throwing acid on their faces in near future and those who challenged them were illegally terminated or sent to far-flung areas,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the NJHPC authorities are busy in purchasing land worth billions of rupees for their corporate office at a time when the national economy is passing through a crisis.
When contacted, the additional secretary (water resources) said they did not believe in hiring unsuitable people. “We are not safeguarding any individual and the said case will be strictly followed according to the rules and regulations,” he added.
NayaDaur Media forwarded seven questions to the CFO regarding the allegations, but he responded that all of these are contrary to his record and the CEO should be contacted for a brief version.
NayaDaur Media made various attempts to connect the CEO but he wasn’t available for his comments.