Transparency watchdog raises fresh compliance concerns after PPRA Review Board declares gas utility procurement irregular
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered a transparent investigation into alleged violations of procurement rules by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, following a complaint lodged by Transparency International Pakistan.
According to an official statement, the prime minister took notice of the allegations and directed authorities to conduct a transparent inquiry, stressing that action should be taken against those responsible if the complaint is proven during the investigation.
The development comes after Transparency International Pakistan approached the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday, alleging non-compliance with rules of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority in a tender issued by SNGPL for the procurement of air intake gas elements and pre-filter socks.
In a letter circulated to relevant authorities, including Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqeer Shah and the managing director of SNGPL, the watchdog stated that the PPRA Review Board had already declared the procurement a “mis-procurement.” It further noted that additional violations had been identified that require explanation from the gas utility.
Transparency International raised several specific objections to the tendering process. The organization questioned why the bidding was effectively restricted to foreign firms through the manner in which the tender was advertised. It also challenged the decision to declare the complainant non-responsive under clause 3.2(b), arguing that the provision applies only to information requirements for foreign bidders, particularly regarding their location and five-year experience record.
The watchdog further stated that the complainant had submitted laboratory test reports for the filter paper used in manufacturing the equipment, including the manufacturer’s identification number, suggesting that the technical documentation requirement had been fulfilled.
The prime minister’s directive initiates a formal review of the procurement process at SNGPL, placing the utility’s compliance with PPRA regulations under official scrutiny.