Excise authorities take action by suspending yet another senior officer in ongoing ADR scandal
Another senior officer, Manzar Khalid of the Motor Registration Authority (MRA), has been suspended by Excise and Taxation authorities in connection to the alleged ADR (Add Representative) scandal at the Excise Office in Lahore.
The ADR system, implemented by the Excise and Taxation Department of Punjab, facilitates citizens who are deceased or residing abroad, as well as those who have lost thumb impressions, to transfer their vehicles through representatives.
The suspension comes after a complaint was received about the transfer of 145 vehicles on a single CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) under the ADR scheme, violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set for such transfers. Further investigation revealed that ownership of an additional 40 vehicles was transferred to another single CNIC. Inspector Yasin was suspended earlier on charges related to the misuse of the vehicle transfer process.
The preliminary investigation indicates not only SOP violations during the transfer process but also the alleged acceptance of bribes ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 per case to expedite applications through ADR.
Since the activation of the current Excise Web-based system, a total of 2898 ADR cases were processed across Punjab, with 2818 handled at the Excise motor branch office in Farid Court House Lahore. A senior excise officer, speaking anonymously, mentioned that a significant number of cases were assigned to Inspector Yasin, and the reasons behind this decision are known to excise officers.
Director Motor Branch Muhammad Asif stated that an inquiry has been initiated, and further details will be disclosed upon finalizing the inquiry report. Regarding allegations of receiving hefty amounts for ADR case processing, he mentioned that no complainant has come forward to register a complaint. He attributed the higher number of cases processed at the Faridcourt house motor branch to its workload, covering 60% of the province, and its significant revenue generation.
