SC orders to probe along forensic audit of Thar coal power project

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday directed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to probe along with forensic audit of Thar coal power project. A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard the suo motu case regarding Thar coal power project. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) project in Thar chairman Dr Samar Mubarakmand appeared before court. During the hearing, during conversation with Dr Samar, the chief justice remarked that in the start of this project, the people were dreaming about the cheap electricity. The chief justice expressed anger, said, “You understand yourself as the prominent and big scientist. Huge amount was invested on this project and the government bore loss of billion rupees.” The court directed the NAB to probe Thar underground coal gasification project. The bench also ordered the auditor general to conduct a forensic audit of the project and submit a report within 15 days. Meanwhile, the top judge directed the Sindh chief secretary to seize the project’s belongings machinery and all assets. The CJP also sought reply from chairman of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) project in Thar Dr Samar Mubarakmand, federal and Sindh governments and directed to take pictures of the project material as a record.