SARGODHA, July 19: The directorate of mines has been causing a loss of over Rs100 million to the public exchequer by leasing out on low rates hills to their blue-eyed and for allowing stone excavation after expiry date.

This was alleged by one Malik Azhar Ali, who claimed himself to be a contractor of mines, while talking to newsmen here on Friday.

He alleged Sargodha mines assistant deputy director had with Sillanwali tehsil Nazim’s connivance granted leased out lot No 3 (Chak 120-SB) to Nazim’s brother Rana Muhammad Azhar through fake bid and issued the work order on July 13 without putting it on an open auction on July 8.

Earlier, he alleged this lot was with tehsil Nazim Rana Munawar Ghaus who took extra time without paying any amount with the connivance of the mineral department.

Mr Ali alleged the Nazim was a member of the auction committee and he abused his authority. He alleged the mines department provided shelter to defaulters after getting stay order from the civil court. Although, the stay order could not last after a lapse of six months, he alleged the department’s officials allowed the lessee to continue work without payment for more than three years after expiry of lease. The complainant appealed to the Punjab governor to take notice of the ‘irregularities’ in the department.

When contacted, an officials of the department denied the allegations.

He claimed the complainant was not the registered contractor and, therefore, could not file any objection against the auction bid.