LAHORE: The Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) on Saturday launched an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Quaid-i-Azam Solar Power Company (QASP) project.

The QASP is a public-sector company established by the government of the Punjab. The company has been established for setting up renewable energy projects, particularly solar projects.

The QASP has been designed to generate 1,000MW electricity and supply it to the National Grid System.

The ACE would also interrogate the QASP chief executive officer (CEO), plant manager and human resource manager for “irregularities” in appointment on critical positions and company consultant.

The solar project was aimed at providing 100kv solar energy each to six rural areas of south Punjab.

The sources claimed that the company had given contracts to “favourite” contractors, who used substandard material in the construction of the project.

The sources further claimed that a transparent method was also not adopted for recruitment of human resources for the project.

The ACE issued notices to all the relevant authorities, including the company CEO and consultant, besides the owners of a construction company, Sky Blue Builders. They were directed to appear before the investigation team on July 14 at the ACE Lahore headquarter.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2022