RAHIM YAR KHAN: The Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) has suspended an executive engineer (EXEN) from service for submitting non-certified engineering degree of Pakistan Engineering Council.

According to Mepco sources, Rahim Yar Khan-based EXEN Asim Rasheed recently transferred to Vehari was suspended from service some days back. He had allegedly submitted his non-certified engineering degree at the time of his appointment as sub-divisional officer 17 years ago.

On the complaints by some of his colleagues, the Federal Investigation Agency after conducting an inquiry and collecting proofs sent a report to Mepco authorities who suspended him.

Asim Rasheed later wrote an application to the Mepco chief executive to reconsider the matter to which the director (vigilance) has started a probe.

On the other hand, Mepco sources claimed that the National Accountability Bureau on the complaints and documentary proofs by the public has started investigations to ascertain as to how he [allegedly] made assets worth millions of rupees after joining service.

As per the sources, the EXEN was collecting Rs1.6 million monthly rent of his properties. There were also complaints of corruption and causing loss to the department against him. When contacted, Asim Rasheed did not attend the call whereas a text message was also sent to him for the version.

Mepco PRO Jamshaid Niazi told Dawn that Asim Rasheed was suspended from service because he did not get certification of his degree from PEC which was mandatory for an engineer.

Niazi said according to Mepco’s standard operating procedure (SOP), the EXEN could be terminated from service on this issue. To a question about NAB investigations, he said he could not comment on it.

Published in Dawn, March 14th, 2018