To,
Chairman,
Standing Committee on Commerce & Trade,
Islamabad
Subject: Investigation of Erroneous Award for Pakistan Pavilion
WORLD EXPO-2010 Shanghai, China
Honorable Sir,
Most respectfully we would like to submit the following:
Pakistan’s participation in EXPO 2010 is of great national value involving prestige of the country on the exceptionally big world stage of EXPO 2010. The EXPO is the biggest event of this century being held in Shanghai, China our friendliest country.
Its management and supervision, therefore, warrants extreme care and caution in decision making, inviting bids, awarding contracts and transparency in selecting and nominating agencies to represent the country; by adhering to laws, rules and regulation. Public Procurement Rules 2004 are mandatory for the procurement of goods and services, unfortunately, in the instant case an agency (M/s Far East Orient Trading Company) has been selected for representing the government and the people of Pakistan in EXPO 2010 Shanghai China, disregarding or deliberately violating mandatory rules and regulations relating to the matter
We humbly submit that as rules governing the procurement of services have not been followed and the bidding and contracting exercise has been conducted in a questionable, suspicious and nontransparent manner, the case has logically exposed itself to scrutiny, re-examination and review. The selection process of M/s Far East is tantamount to maladministration and favoritism; beseeching intervention for justice and fair play.
That the (CDA) has already done two previous WORLD EXPOS 1990 Garden and Greenery EXPO Osaka this project was entrusted to CDA by the Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and it is on record that Pakistan Garden was declared Garden of the World it won 6 highest Awards this is on the record and we have shown the awards and medals to the Minister for Commerce and it is worthy to note that Pakistan government did not spend a single penny on this project as all the finances were arranged by local sponsors in Japan by the efforts of CDA.
That again in 2005 Aichi (Nagoya) World EXPO this project was again entrusted upon CDA because of previous experience and the resources. It was also a great success that 2.5 Millions Visitors came to Pakistan Pavilion especially the Imperial Family of Japan repeatedly visited Pakistan Pavilion that was declared highly artistic Pavilion of EXPO2005 Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz along with 65 members Ministers and other dignitaries paid official visit to the EXPO2005 and was very much delighted to see the Pakistan Pavilion.
EXPO2010 theme “better city better life” was tailor made theme for CDA and they have expertise and resources. Despite knowing these fact award of the project to M/s Far East is not only surprising and shocking but also handing over Pak Rs.270 Million of public funds tantamount to crime and we beg that immediate action should be taken.
That the Far East Oriental Trading Group a single party was awarded not only construction of the Pavilion but also the full space of commercial activities, administration, event management plus sponsorship and Mr. Abdul Wahid, Manager of beauty parlor has been appointed as Deputy Commissioner General, who in turn has appointed his son as pavilion Director. both are incompetent inexperience for the worthy job, it will surely damage the prestige of Pakistan in the Host Country.
No other party was invited to compete and the contract was signed in an indiscreet manner, although we remained in active touch with the TDAP high-ups throughout the period as the following chronology of our efforts would show:
20 July 2007
We wrote a detailed letter to the Secretary TDAP explaining what we could offer on the basis of our experience, know-how and standing in the field. The letter was never replied.
1st December 2008
Requested the PS to the Secretary TDAP for an appointment with the Secretary. After a prolonged exchange of emails, the appointment was declined.
7th December 2008.
Minister of Commerce was kind enough to meet us in his office. He gave time for a patient and willing hearing. He referred us to the Chairman /CEO TDAP (Mr. Mohibullah Shah) by marking our representation to him.
16th December 2008.
We called on the Chairman/CEO of TDAP in his office in Karachi. He was receptive to our contention and said that the TDAP was alive to the issue.
31st March 2009.
Met with the secretary Commerce who informed that a decision had already been taken in the matter.
As obvious from the above, no decision had been taken till the 16th of December 2008 and the project was not announced through any reliable means as notified by the Government in PPR 2004. Signing of a contract with Messer Far East Orient Trading Company falls in the ambit of misprocurement under PPR 2004 and therefore, it is open to review by a neutral and competent authority.
That in the light of above submission we humbly suggest that the contract between M/s Far East Oriental Trading Company and TDAP should be immediately cancelled and full fledge investigation be ordered in accordance with the laws and rules so that justice is done and prestige of the country is not compromised because of unskillful and inefficient handling, as Pakistan deserves to be represented in a befitting and honorable manner especially when hundreds of million rupees of public money are being spent.
Sir, we would also like to bring in your kind knowledge that after continued follow up and persuasion M/s Aroma Enterprises was allotted space for restaurant and stall for handicrafts in EXPO 2010 vide Prime Minister Secretariat’s letter no 69/Allo/DSPM/10 dated 14.04.2010 and TDAP letter no TDAP-101(202)/06-MD dated 12 April 2010. Further to this M/s Aroma Enterprises shipped 4 containers of Pakistan handicrafts for display and promotional activities.
Unfortunately, our goods cannot be released from the port and our staff’s visa letters are not being processed, our shipping invoices and Visas, Passes request are pending for official endorsement since last 2 Months. Pakistan Ambassador for China Masood Khan, who is also the Commissioner General of EXPO 2010 of Pakistan section has given his commissioner generals powers and official seal of commissioner general to Mr.Abdul Wahid which is against the rules of EXPO. We even requested Prime Minister, who was kind enough to direct TDAP for release of goods and issuance of visas but to no avail.
Unfortunately, Ambassador for Pakistan to China, Masood Khan being Commissioner General of this EXPO not only illegally transferred his powers of Commissioner General to Mr. Abdul Wahid, a private person. We understand that there is great distance between Shanghai and Beijing but it would have been more prudent if the Ambassador could have appointed Pakistan Consul General in Shanghai to act as Commissioner General.
Also, Ambassador for Pakistan has recommended granting additional 2.2 Million US Dollars to be paid to Mr. Abdul Wahid, which is again violation of the contract between M/s Far East and TDAP.
Sir, Ambassador has committed violation of the rules and his authority as Commissioner General has been jeopardized because of his impartial status.
In light of above, it is very humbly requested that inquiry be conducted in
Sincerely,
Rana Imtiaz Ahmad Khan
President
Aroma Enterprise,
25 VIP Plaza Islamabad
E mail: ranaimtiaz@hotmail.com
Mobile: 0346 776 2083
Video from Royal TV:
After submitting this complaint with standing committee on 14th of May2010 I was told from the office of Chairman Khurram Dastgir that 26 May is fixed for the EXPO matter later on I called his PS. Mr.Azhar I was told the matter is postponed until first week of June and when I called the Gentleman in the first week of June I was told due to budget session it going to be postpone and keep you inform about the first meeting I left Pakistan on 23rd of July and I called the PS. to the Chairman Standing Committee that I shall be in America and please keep me posted about any development in the particular matter there was no information what so ever from the Chairman Khurram Dastgir office on 31st of August a friend of mine called me from Pakistan and told me there was a news in daily Khabrain that standing committee had a meeting about EXPO 2010 on 26th of August 2010 I immediately called the PS. to chairman he told me yes there was a meeting and we tried to contact you but your number was off and Dr.Asim Hussain came to our office and as per his point of view that the project was awarded to the lowest bidder and on his advice therefore the matter is finalized and closed.
I have three questions I would like to ask the worthy Chairman Khurram Dastgir as follows:
1) That the Far East Orient Company never taken part in any bidding process how they could be declare the lowest when they are not in the show.
2) That the matter was directly under Ministry of Commerce and they had to take decision
it was not under the domain of Dr.Asim Hussain he was Adviser for petroleum at that time in any circumstances he was no body to advice the Ministry of commerce to declare Far East Orient a lowest bidder, now Dr.Asim Hussain’s involvement has been proved and the committee has to find out how the taxpayers US$ 2.8 Millions been paid to the private party under the direct instructions and involvement of Dr.Asim Hussain Chairman should know that he was forced to resign as federal Adviser for petroleum after Mega corruption scandals were highlighted by Media in Ministry of petroleum.
3) Since the project was a biggest event of this century and the Chairman should take a serious notice of the followings:
A- that beside US$2.8 Millions paid by the government of Pakistan the Chinese government has given US$1 Million to the Far East Oriental Company.
B- Total Commercial area inside the pavilion were also handed to the Far East Orient Company(means US$ 70 ~ 80 Millions given free of charge)
c) Local sponsors money was also paid to the Far East Oriental company in Millions of Dollars.
d) Total control, administration event management given to Far East oriental Company
It is worthy to note that Pakistan consul General Shanghai was totally forbidden to interfere in any EXPO related matter why?
e) It is also be noted that Ambassador Masood Khan give his recommendations for extra US$ 2.2 Millions to be paid to Far East Oriental Company however their smart move was confronted by transparency international and by ourselves.
Now sir I would like to inform you that we are the victim of this illegal award and complainant without listening us how you can close this issue no sir that’s why the people of Pakistan call you a friendly opposition that the EXPO has gone our money 28 Millions of PKR has been lost my consignments are still at Shanghai port paying heavy demurrages and if you are serious to make Pakistan corruption Free you have to investigate the matter
in depth and don’t prove that you are Friendly opposition.
The Honorable minister should take seroius note of all allegations and should also consider the Transparency Intl’s views and letters written to the Govt. ministries in this regard.
It all shows how everybody was cheated by Few Corrupt beaurucrates and Ministers.
sab chor hein.
hukmran-e- waqt chahey to kisi chor ko panah nahin mil sakti, but all are sucking blood of this ill nation.
Beuty Parlor’s owner has the ighest powers in this country during the regime of Musharraf and probably still the same, as parlors have lot to offers to the ruling politicians to keep them comfortable in their rooms, in addition to the dirty money.
NOW only revolution is the way to clean this shit, in this country. Get ready. No one should escape from the borders. Every vulture should face its fate by the hands of real people of Pakistan.
This Expo-2010 is already over on 31st of October after 6 months running its show in Shanghai this project was awarded by passing all the PPR rules and illegally paid US$ 3 Millions to a beauty parlor lady of Karachi a close friend of Dr.Asim Hussain it is open secret that he asim Hussein bulldoze the TDAP to award the project to this lady it is also be noted that this part (Far East Oriental Co) was paid US$ 1 Million by Chinese government and the total commercial area also handed to this lucky lady and his manager a well known pimp of Karachi the sad thing is so far no action has been taken by Khurram Dastgir Chairman of Standing Committee although the case was filed but the Champion of good governance has no time to take any action now the EXPO is ended the inquiry should be called to probe the following facts.
AA) What the government of Pakistan gain out of this EXPO because this poor government made a precedent by paying handsome money to this lady and her pimp Dollars 3 Millions) this was never done before.
BB) How much money this party has collected from Chinese government where it was spent.
CC) how much money this party has collected in local sponsorship and where it has gone.
DD) What is the total value of Imports during EXPO because this lady and her manager did not import any thing but made hell of money through this Government and received heavy amount from the host government and it was shared between Dr.Asim Hussain this lady her manager and that Ambassador Masood Khan who is well known as Mr.Clean in Pakistan but in this case his role is very dirty.
EE) That I shipped my goods after getting commercial space from TDAP and Prime Minister issued the letter to the Ambassador Masood Khan our goods were never allowed to be clear from Customs in Shanghai our staff Visas were not issued containers were confiscated by the Chinese authorties by order of Mr.Abdul Wahid manager of beauty parlor lady I was forced to pay 5 Million PKR in demurrage and still the ill consigned goods are not reached in Pakistan the dirty role of ambassador he is Ambassador of Pakistan but he never intervene he failed to act as Ambassador of Pakistan it was his duty to protect our business interest but he acted as enemy he acted as Ambassador of that beauty parlor lady.
FF) Who is responsible for our losses why the TDAP has failed to act as impartial body.
We are helpless it is more than 2 years no one is listening every one say it is matter of few Million Dollars not big if it is OK then why this opposition is crying for good governance and to stop corruption I appeal to the Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan for immediate action.
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