Karachi (Nut Desk)
Zareen Gul, an employee accused of misconduct during his tenure, has been released on bail while the institution has also initiated proceedings under the Anti-Corruption Act. Zareen Gul was found involved in misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs. 5.4 million in the year 2000. The amount was intended for the welfare and betterment of lower-grade employees. The administrative authorities at the time had reclaimed a portion of the funds and issued a warning. Zareen Gul had illicitly issued NOCs for the agency’s 6 to 7-acre land, which has an estimated value of Rs. 20 to 25 billion. Upon the institution’s request, the Supreme Court revoked the fraudulent allotment and instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an inquiry. Zareen Gul, under FIR No. 55/2021 filed on November 20, 2021, is currently on bail. Zareen Gul is also implicated in the illicit allocation of three petrol pumps. Further investigations by the FIA regarding the petrol pumps are underway. In addition to termination from employment for involvement in illegal activities, Zareen Gul faces further disciplinary actions. Zareen Gul’s self-proclaimed position as the chairman of an organization holds no legal standing. “Baseless allegations against the DG Civil Aviation by corrupt elements are nothing new,” said the spokesperson. In the past, similar unfounded allegations have been levied against the current DGCAA. Whether it be fake licenses, issues concerning Benazir Bhutto International Airport involving billions of rupees, or reclaiming funds from the Pakistan International Airlines, these allegations remain baseless accusations. Accusations regarding Walton Aerodrome are misleading, baseless, and laughable. DGCAA is a civil servant enforcing Federal Government directives responsible for enforcing federal government directives. The land of Walton Aerodrome was transferred to the Punjab government for commercial purposes in 2020/21, following federal government approval. The project includes 76 acres under the Civil Aviation Authority and 70 acres under the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority. Under the Civil Aviation Ordinance 1960, the federal government directed the transfer of Walton land to the Punjab government. The Civil Aviation Authority is bound by federal government directives under the Civil Aviation Ordinance 1982. The Punjab government holds 48% shares in the Central Business District project, promising revenue in billions. The Civil Aviation Authority has acquired additional land for Walton Aerodrome, investing billions. Work on the New Walton Muridke Aerodrome, spanning 643 acres, is in its final stages. General aviators of Walton Aerodrome have been given the option to relocate to Allama Iqbal International Airport as per their choice. All general aviators, except Lahore Flying Club, have given undertakings to Lahore High Court that upon completion of New Walton Aerodrome, they will be relocated there. General aviators relocating to New Walton Aerodrome will be provided state-of-the-art facilities for one year without rental charge. Upon relocation to New Walton Muridke Aerodrome, general aviators will have access to state-of-the-art facilities. The current leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Corrupt elements within the institution, regardless of their status, will not escape accountability.
