SC directs NAB to take action against Dr Samar in Thar Coal project

SC directs NAB to take action against Dr Samar in Thar Coal project

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to take action against nuclear scientist Dr Samar Mubarakmand and others after probing alleged embezzlement in the Thar Coal Gasification Power Project.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar observed that prima facie Dr Samar seemed to be responsible for the loss of Rs 4 billion to the public exchequer.

During the course of proceedings, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) submitted the audit report of the project in compliance with the court orders, which noted that about 100 megawatt (MW) electricity was to be generated by the project, which was shut down after producing 8 MW.

The CJP observed that the nuclear scientist had made false claims about the project that it would generate 100 MW electricity. Dr Samar would present many excuses for the failure of the project, but the national exchequer had suffered a loss of Rs 4 billion, he added.

Subsequently, the case was adjourned to date in office.

APP