ISLAMABAD: The management of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sent four officers on compulsory retirement over the issue of a tender for beautification work in four markets.

On June 1, the CDA management took notice of an alleged dubious tender for the beautification of four markets worth more than Rs1 billion and suspended four officers over their alleged involvement in adding a security-related clause to the tender documents.

Under the clause, contractors were required to obtain security clearance to participate in the bidding process.

However, when the matter was brought to the attention of CDA Chairman, he directed the cancellation of the tender at the 11th hour. After a preliminary inquiry, four officers, then director general infrastructure, director market and road maintenance (MRM), deputy director MRM and deputy director procurement and contracts, were proceeded against on charges of inefficiency and misconduct.

A few days ago, they were sent on compulsory retirement.

Meanwhile, sources said that in several other projects, the CDA’s engineering wing had applied the same security clause and the projects were executed, but no action had so far been taken against those responsible. They said some of the officials involved were still holding key positions.

“In this case, four officers were sent on compulsory retirement for adding a security clause in a project that was not executed. This means there was no loss to the exchequer. However, in some other projects, the security clause was added and projects were executed and completed, but no action was taken against those involved. If adding a security clause is a major offence, then action should be taken against them too,” an official source said.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026