An investigation has uncovered allegations of embezzlement amounting to Rs. 288 million by Bilal Travels, a private transport company entrusted with operating the shuttle bus service in Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave. The fraud is purportedly linked to the negligence and collusion of officials from the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).
According to media sources, Bilal Travels, owned by Haji Nawaz and Amjad, secured a contract valued at Rs. 96 million annually to manage the Diplomatic Enclave Bus Service. This service was established by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to facilitate visitors accessing embassies within the enclave. The contract stipulated quarterly payments, but Bilal Travels allegedly failed to deposit any funds into the government treasury throughout the four-year contract period.
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Instead of fulfilling their financial obligations, Bilal Travels reportedly utilized legal maneuvers, including obtaining court injunctions, with purported cooperation from DMA officials, to evade payment. This alleged collaboration enabled the company to avoid depositing the contracted amount, leading to accusations of embezzling Rs. 288 million intended for the government treasury.
When legal obstacles were eventually lifted, Bilal Travels’ owners, allegedly with official assistance, absconded with the embezzled funds, leaving their contractual commitments unfulfilled. Subsequent efforts by the DMA to recover the misappropriated funds were reportedly hampered by administrative delays, including bureaucratic procedures linking recovery attempts to addresses in Lahore listed on the owners’ identity cards.
Despite clear breaches of contract and non-payment of installments, DMA officials purportedly refrained from canceling the contract or imposing penalties on Bilal Travels. This situation has raised concerns about accountability and oversight within the Directorate of Municipal Administration regarding the management of public contracts and funds.
