The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has directed the Managing Director of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to submit complete records of the corporation’s 2022 ghee procurement, as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities, misuse of authority and a possible loss of about Rs62 million to the national exchequer.
In an official letter, the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad Zone said the case is registered as FIR No. 69/2025 under the FIA Act 1974, read with the relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. The letter was issued by Deputy Director Mian Faizan-ul-Haq and requires the USC to provide duly attested copies of the records within seven days of receipt.
According to the letter, the USC purchased premium Dalda Ghee in May 2022 at Rs489.53 per kilogram. In the same period, it procured around 2,000 metric tonnes of second-tier Manpasand Ghee at Rs520 per kilogram. Manpasand Ghee had been bought at Rs430 per kilogram in March 2022.
The FIA noted that the lower-quality ghee was priced about Rs31 per kilogram higher than the premium variety, and estimated the financial impact at approximately Rs62 million. The agency said this figure requires verification through procurement and payment records.
The FIA has asked for complete tender documents for both categories of ghee, including tender notices, bidding documents, comparative statements and evaluation reports. It has also sought the proceedings and minutes of Tender Committee meetings, along with the names, designations and tenures of all members. The same details have been requested for the Subsidized Procurement/Purchasing Committee, including its recommendations.
The agency has also demanded purchase orders, supply agreements, invoices, bills, delivery challans, stock receipts and payment vouchers. In addition, it has asked for file notings, administrative approvals and sanctions granted by the competent authority.
The FIA has further asked whether any departmental inquiry, internal audit, special audit or fact-finding exercise was conducted on the procurement. If so, the corporation must provide the complete reports and findings, particularly those on the difference in rates and its financial implications.
The documents will allow the FIA to verify the procurement process, determine the financial implications and proceed with the investigation in accordance with the law. The matter remains under investigation, and responsibility, if any, will be determined on the basis of documentary evidence and the outcome of legal proceedings.
