KOHAT: The executive engineer of the communication and works department has cancelled the Rs1.20 billion contract of the Liaquat Memorial Hospital on the directives of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan after the contractor refused to resume work on the project stalled since 2019.

The matter was raised by Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir chairman Shehryar Afridi and district development advisory committee chairman Ziaullah Bangash during the recent visit of the chief minister to Kohat.

In a final notice issued to the contractor on Wednesday, the department’s executive engineer also forfeited his two per cent bid amount. The notice mentioned that the contractor had been asked on several occasions to resume work, but he failed to do so.

The notice said the procurement entity had the right to refer his case to the Pakistan Engineering Council for his blacklisting. It said the contract was being terminated in the public interest.

The C&W department said a fresh contract would be advertised, so work on the hospital could be completed at the earliest.

CRICKET TALENT HUNT: The Zalmi Peshawar team is visiting Kohat on a talent hunt mission from March 24 to 25.

Regional sports officer Sikandar Shah told Dawn on Wednesday that the Zalmi team would establish a camp at Kohat Sports Complex for finding the young cricketers.

POLICE INVESTIGATION: Hangu SP investigations Arshad Mehmood has directed the police officials to ensure speedy trial of the cases pending in courts.

Chairing a meeting on Wednesday, he said the responsibilities of investigation officers were of sensitive nature, so they should complete all legal procedures by upholding merit and justice.

He asked the SHOs not to register false FIRs, so people’s confidence in the police force could be restored.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2022