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KPK
Recognition of Administrative Services: Dr. Sadiq Ali Nominated for Sitara-i-Imtiaz
Anwar Zada Gulyar
BAJAUR: Dr. Sadiq Ali, a young civil officer, has been nominated for Pakistan’s civil award, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service, effective administration, maintenance of law and order, enforcement of the rule of law, and resolution of conflicts.
Hailing from Charsadda district, Dr. Sadiq Ali is currently serving as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Upper Dir. Previously, he served as an Assistant Commissioner in North Waziristan and Bajaur, where his administrative services were widely appreciated for addressing public grievances, improving administrative affairs, and contributing to law and order.
His nomination for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz particularly highlights his efforts in ensuring the delivery of public services, effectively implementing government initiatives, strengthening the administrative system, maintaining law and order, and resolving disputes at the local level, especially in the tribal districts.
Dr. Sadiq Ali has been described as a source of inspiration and a role model for young civil officers and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His commitment, public service, and administrative leadership have been termed a guiding light for the younger generation.
His nomination for the Sitara-i-Imtiaz is also being appreciated in Bajaur as recognition of his previous administrative services to the district, where his tenure as Assistant Commissioner and his engagement with the public earned significant appreciation at the local level.
National
OGDCL Faces Questions Over Rs24.61m Vehicle Hiring. Questions Requiring the MD’s Attention
Aamir Lashari
ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has come under audit scrutiny over the irregular hiring of vehicles worth Rs24.610 million for rig operations, despite the availability of seven prequalified firms.
According to the audit of OGDCL for FY 2024-25, seven firms were prequalified for hiring vehicles for rig operations for three years through a letter dated September 30, 2024. However, from October 2024 to June 2025, the Drilling Operations Department hired vehicles through quotations from local transporters or extended previous contracts instead of using the prequalified firms.
Audit termed the hiring a violation of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004. Management told the DAC on December 24, 2025, that the prequalified firms could not provide vehicles because formal LOIs were pending issuance by the Supply Chain Management Department. Vehicles were therefore temporarily hired from local contractors to avoid disruption of rig operations.
Audit contended that hiring vehicles from non-qualified firms was a violation of PPRA Rules, while the DAC directed management to submit a revised reply explaining the award to prequalified bidders and the intervening period. However, no further progress was reported until finalization of the audit report.
Audit has recommended an inquiry into the procurement of services in violation of PPRA Rules and compliance with the DAC decision.
The audit findings raise some basic questions: Why were vehicles hired through quotations when seven firms had already been prequalified? Why were the LOIs not issued in time, and who was responsible for the delay?
As Audit has recommended an inquiry, would it not be appropriate for the MD to ensure that the matter is examined, responsibility is determined and those responsible are held accountable?
The DAC’s direction also remains to be addressed: why was no further progress reported, and what caused the delay?
Another question is whether the vehicles hired through quotations between October 2024 and June 2025 have since been discontinued or are still being used.
More broadly, would it not be appropriate to strengthen safeguards to ensure transparency, merit and fair competition in the use of OGDCL’s resources?
