Formal action begins against wheat scandal accused

ISLAMABAD: On the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formal action has been started against suspended officers who were found involved in the import of excess wheat.

Former Food Security Commissioner Dr. Waseem Al Hasan has been charged with incompetence, misconduct and corrupt practices in the charge-sheet. He has been held guilty of the wheat crisis that resulted in farmers protesting against the government. He has also been held responsible for damaging the national exchequer.

According to sources, Dr Wasim Al Hasan has been ordered to submit a written answer in his defence within 14 days. The suspended officers have been directed to submit their written reply to the inquiry officer appointed by the Prime Minister, Saleh Ahmad Farooqi. The prime minister had approved an investigation against the four suspended officers.

Director General Plant Protection Allah Dutta Abid, Food Security Commissioner Dr Waseem Al Hasan, Vet Commissioner Imtiaz Ali Gopang and Director DPP Sohail Shahzad were among those suspended.