July 05, 2008	Saturday	Rajab 1, 1429

LAHORE, July 4: In a major reshuffle expected any time, the Lahore Arts Council may have a new executive director and board of governors, sources in the Ministry of Information and Culture told Dawn.

Sources said the possibility of reshuffle was the outcome of negative developments that had recently plagued the council such as increased commercial theatre activity, cases of corruption, unfair promotions and differences between the executive director and the chairman.

Sources said columnist Ataul Haq Qasmi was likely to be appointed new chairman of the LAC board of governors. The search for a new director is on and in the next few days a new executive director will be appointed, they added.

LAC Executive Director Asghar Husain Gillani and the BoG chairman had developed serious differences. The union was against the executive director and the junior staff had complained that he was not giving contract to daily wagers.

There were issues of corruption too. Sources said an inquiry might also be initiated to check out irregularities being committed in giving halls on rent at the Alhamra Art Center, misuse of government vehicles and the issue of undue promotions.

A committee had been assigned the task and it would begin inquiry after the formation of the new board, sources said.

According to them, an inquiry would be initiated against Aftab Ansari, former deputy director admin, Lahore Arts Council, on charges of corruption. It is alleged in written complaint against him that he embezzled millions of rupees in the car parking and canteen contracts and got move-over on fake ACRs.