Scandal Surrounding NPF Plot Auction: HUM Network Allegedly at the Center

A major controversy has erupted over the auction of a multi-billion-rupee commercial plot by the National Police Foundation (NPF) in Islamabad’s E-11 sector, with allegations pointing towards the involvement of HUM Network in influencing the process.

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According to documents obtained from private sources, the NPF conducted a sealed-bid auction for a 10-12 Kanal commercial plot, valued at Rs1.0204 billion. The plot, formed by merging eight smaller plots, was reportedly sold at a price significantly below market rates, resulting in an estimated Rs5 billion loss to the national exchequer.

Manipulated Auction Process: Sources allege that the sealed-bid auction was designed to benefit M/S SMB Services (Pvt) Ltd, a company with alleged links to key figures at HUM Network. Only two firms—M/S Convolair (Pvt) Ltd and M/S SMB Services—participated in the bid, which took place on December 28, 2023.

The process was allegedly orchestrated by the NPF Managing Director in collaboration with Shunaid Qureshi, a director at HUM Network. Investigations reveal that eligibility criteria were altered to favor SMB Services, whose directors include Alina, Moomal Shunaid, and Shanzeh Shunaid, all linked to Qureshi.

Violations and Suppression of Dissent: Officials who raised objections to the auction were reportedly transferred to suppress resistance. Additionally, the NPF Managing Director restructured the Board of Directors with approval from the caretaker federal government to ensure the auction proceeded without opposition.

Minutes from a board meeting on March 25, 2024, document strong objections from senior officials, including Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mohammad Ali Babakhel. He suggested that an open auction would have been more transparent and financially beneficial.

Further concerns were raised by the NPF Director HQs Admin, who cited violations of the “National Police Foundation Allotment Rules (Amendments) 2023” and “The Islamabad Land Disposal Regulation 2005.” Rule 9 (1) of the NPF Rules requires that commercial plots be auctioned openly to the general public to generate funds for welfare initiatives.

Hospital Project Controversy: The scandal extends to a bid for a 100-bed General Hospital at a 26-Kanal plot in the NPF O-9 housing scheme. A specific clause in the bidding criteria allegedly favored a Turkish firm backed by M/S SMB Services. This clause, introduced without federal approval, has raised further concerns about collusion.

Call for Investigation: The allegations against NPF and HUM Network have sparked outrage, with demands for a transparent and independent investigation. This case underscores the urgent need for accountability to protect public resources and restore trust in national institutions.