GB refers MRI machines embezzlement case to NAB

GILGIT: The Accountability Facilitation Cell (AFC) of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Finance Department has referred a case regarding alleged embezzlement in the procurement of two MRI machines for Skardu and Diamer districts to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

According to a letter sent to NAB’s Additional Director, the decision was made during an AFC meeting held on May 16, 2025, where the complaint regarding the alleged embezzlement and available records were reviewed.

The letter said that the G-B Health Department submitted a summary to the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister on June 19, 2020, proposing the purchase of two MRI machines for regional headquarters hospitals in Skardu and Diamer. The estimated cost of the machines ranged between Rs300 million to Rs800 million, with the expenditure to be covered from the health department’s block allocation.

The letter said a summary was sent by the GB Chief Secretary to the finance department for the release of funds from the block allocation of the health department without being presented to the chief minister.

Later, on September 6, 2022, the finance department requested the health department to provide a tentative cost based on bids. The letter said the lowest bid received amounted to Rs1,275 million, which was then forwarded to the Federal Finance Division and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan for funding approval.

Despite pending fund approval, the Health Department proceeded with the procurement process and issued a supply order, which the letter describes as a “substantial lapse”, creating a significant liability.

“The question as to why the supply order was issued without securing funds is a matter that needs probe. Besides the aforementioned matter, the rates on which the machines were purchased also warrant market comparison as to responsibility or otherwise,” reads the letter.

“The question of why the supply order was issued without securing funds requires investigation. Besides the aforementioned matter, the rates for which the machines were purchased also warrant market comparison as to responsibility or otherwise,” reads the letter

Based on the facts, the GB AFC concluded that sufficient grounds exist to investigate the matter and fix responsibilities for procedural lapse, possible corruption, or otherwise.

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