ISLAMABAD, Feb 13: Caretaker minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Nisar Ahmed Ghumman has warned of action against some top officials of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) for their alleged involvement in corruption.

At a meeting held here on Wednesday, the minister questioned the officials about complaints regarding increase in their personal perks and privileges, appointments of relatives and some other irregularities.

According to sources, the minister expressed surprise over reports that OPF managing director Syed Nayyar Hasnain had raised his house rent from Rs18,000 to Rs100,000 per month.

The official was also questioned over an allegation that he was keeping several official vehicles for his personal use.

Mr Ghumman also questioned the appointment of Ibrarul Nabi Baig, son of Overseas Pakistanis Division’s joint secretary, as funds manager in the Overseas Pakistanis Pension Trust on a monthly package of Rs100,000.

According to OPF pay-scale, this post is in group 7 and draws a maximum salary of Rs25,000 per month.

When the minister criticised the reported appointment, Mr Baig rushed out of the conference room, the sources said.

Mr Ghumman also criticised delays in promotion of some officers whose upgradation had been due for about 15 years.

He directed that the departmental promotion committee be immediately convened to approve the promotions. He also directed that all vacancies be filled as early as possible.

“In case elections get delayed and I stay on beyond February 20, I won’t spare corrupt officers,” the minister warned the officials at the conclusion of the meeting.

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