NA committee forms four-member panel to probe K-IV project delay

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Water Resources has appointed a four-member sub-committee to investigate why the K-IV water supply project has not been completed despite large expenditure on it. The Minute Mirror and The Nation reported the decision.

The sub-committee will work under the convenorship of MNA Muhammad Idrees. Its task is to find out why the scheme remains unfinished and where the delays occurred.

The committee held its 14th meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad at 2pm, chaired by MNA Ahmad Atteeq Anwer. The information reported from the meeting did not state the total amount spent on K-IV, the reasons for the delay, or any person or organisation found responsible.

The committee also directed the concerned authorities to explain whether reports of water theft from the Kachhi Canal had been sent to the relevant departments, and whether action had been taken to stop it. Officials have been given one week to submit a detailed report on the status of the matter and the steps taken so far. No details were provided on the amount of water stolen, those allegedly involved, or any confirmed action.

Members also discussed the WAPDA Act, 1958. They were informed that the law has no specific provisions defining the creation, jurisdiction, powers or duties of WAPDA's security setup. The committee decided to postpone consideration of the proposed bill until its next meeting.

Minute Mirror's report also noted that the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority referred a disputed procurement of laboratory equipment for the Institute of Blood Transfusion Services Punjab for an independent inquiry, after allegations of irregularities in the evaluation process and the possible supply of refurbished machinery.