DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has expanded its investigation into alleged financial irregularities, misuse of authority and possible losses to the national exchequer in the procurement of subsidized ghee by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in 2022, seeking comprehensive official records from the corporation’s Managing Director.
According to an official letter issued by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad Zone, the matter is being investigated under FIR No. 69/2025 registered with the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad under the FIA Act 1974 read with the relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898.
The letter states that the Utility Stores Corporation purchased premium ghee (Dalda Ghee) in May 2022 at Rs489.53 per kilogram. During the same period approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of Manpasand Ghee (second-tier quality) were also procured at Rs520 per kilogram. In comparison Manpasand Ghee had been purchased at Rs430 per kilogram in March 2022.
The FIA has pointed out that the price difference between the two categories of ghee was approximately Rs31 per kilogram raising questions about procurement procedures and their financial implications for the national exchequer. The estimated financial impact has been calculated at approximately Rs62 million which the agency says requires verification through procurement and payment records.
To establish the facts and examine transparency procedural compliance and financial implications, the FIA has directed the corporation to provide complete tender documents relating to the procurement of premium and Manpasand Ghee during 2022 including tender notices bidding documents comparative statements and evaluation reports.
The agency has also sought complete proceedings and minutes of the Tender Committee meetings along with the name designations and tenure of all committee members. Records of the Subsidized Procurement/Purchasing Committee including its proceedings recommendations and details of its members have also been demanded.
Furthermore the FIA has requested copies of purchase orders, supply agreements, invoices, bills, delivery challans, stock receipts and payment vouchers related to the procurement. The corporation has also been asked to provide relevant file notings, administrative approvals and sanctions granted by the competent authority for the purchase of both categories of ghee.
The investigation agency has additionally asked whether any departmental inquiry, internal audit, special audit or fact-finding exercise was conducted regarding the procurement transactions. If so complete reports and findings particularly those concerning the difference in procurement rates and the resulting financial implications, must also be furnished.
The letter issued by FIA Deputy Director Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad Mian Faizan-ul-Haq directs the Managing Director of the Utility Stores Corporation to submit the required information along with duly attested copies of the relevant records within seven days of receiving the communication.
The requested documents are intended to enable the FIA to verify the procurement process, determine the financial implications and proceed further with the investigation in accordance with the law.
The alleged irregularities remain under investigation and the final responsibility if any will be determined on the basis of documentary evidence and the outcome of the legal proceedings.
