The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has expanded its investigation into alleged financial irregularities, misuse of authority and potential losses to the national exchequer involving the procurement of subsidized ghee by the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in 2022.
The agency has sought comprehensive procurement and financial records from the corporation’s Managing Director to examine the transactions and establish whether any financial irregularities occurred.
According to an official letter issued by the FIA Anti-Corruption Circle, Islamabad Zone, the investigation is being conducted under FIR No. 69/2025, registered under the FIA Act 1974 read with relevant provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898.
FIA Questions Difference in Ghee Procurement Prices
The FIA letter states that the Utility Stores Corporation purchased premium ghee, identified as Dalda Ghee, at Rs489.53 per kilogram in May 2022.
During the same month, the corporation also procured approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of Manpasand Ghee, classified as a second-tier quality product, at Rs520 per kilogram.
The agency has also noted that Manpasand Ghee was purchased at Rs430 per kilogram in March 2022.
According to the FIA, the price difference between the two categories of ghee in May 2022 was approximately Rs31 per kilogram, raising questions about procurement procedures and their financial implications.
The estimated financial impact has been calculated at approximately Rs62 million, which the agency says requires verification through procurement and payment records.
Tender Documents and Committee Proceedings Sought
To examine transparency, procedural compliance and the financial implications of the purchases, the FIA has directed the corporation to provide complete tender documentation relating to the procurement of premium and Manpasand Ghee during 2022.
The requested records include:
Tender notices and bidding documents.
Comparative statements and evaluation reports.
Complete proceedings and minutes of Tender Committee meetings.
Names, designations and tenures of all Tender Committee members.
Records, recommendations and proceedings of the Subsidized Procurement/Purchasing Committee.
Details of members serving on the relevant committees.
The agency has also sought copies of purchase orders, supply agreements, invoices, bills, delivery challans, stock receipts and payment vouchers related to the transactions.
FIA Seeks Internal Audit and Approval Records
The corporation has additionally been asked to provide relevant file notings, administrative approvals and sanctions granted by the competent authority for the procurement of both categories of ghee.
The FIA has also questioned whether any departmental inquiry, internal audit, special audit or fact-finding exercise was conducted into the procurement transactions.
If such inquiries or audits were carried out, the agency has requested complete reports and findings, particularly those addressing the difference in procurement rates and the resulting financial implications.
USC Managing Director Given Seven Days to Submit Records
The letter, issued by FIA Deputy Director Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad Mian Faizan-ul-Haq, directs the Managing Director of the Utility Stores Corporation to submit the required information along with duly attested copies of relevant documents within seven days of receiving the communication.
The requested records are intended to help investigators verify the procurement process, establish the financial implications and determine the next course of action in accordance with the law.
The alleged irregularities remain under investigation. Any responsibility will be determined on the basis of documentary evidence and the outcome of legal proceedings.