LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the Punjab advocate general to submit record of all public sector companies in the province, their legal status and salaries and perks enjoyed by their heads.

During hearing of a petition against alleged irregularities in Punjab Saaf Pani Company, Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi expressed concern over establishment of the public sector companies and huge salaries being paid to their chief executive officers.

The judge took strong notice of the salaries being drawn by the public servants as heads of such companies, highly disproportionate to the same grade officers working in other public departments.

When asked, Saaf Pani Company’s CEO Nabeel Javed told the court that he was an officer of BPS-20 and had been drawing Rs1.4 million as monthly salary.

The judge observed with regret that officers of BPS-20 working in other government departments would be getting not more than Rs150,000.

The judge sought immediate appearance of the advocate general, however, a law officer said the AG was busy in a meeting.

Justice Naqvi directed the law officer to ensure submission of a detailed report on all public sector companies working in the province, details of their CEOs along with salaries and also the law behind the establishment of these companies.

The judge also sought details of a government’s summary regarding bullet-proof vehicles requisitioned for Saaf Pani Company. The judge adjourned hearing till Oct 4.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2017

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...