RECOVERY OF EMBEZZLED AMOUNT FROM OFFICERS OF BEST NGO

1. Background

The devastating earthquake measuring 7.5 at Richter scale on October 08, 2005 hit the
northern part of NWFP and Kashmir leaving more than 80,000 people dead, and millions injured or
left homeless. The disaster also led to the destruction of infrastructure. Education, Health, Water
Supply, Telecommunication System etc. were severely hampered or rendered un-operational. The
unexpected destruction coupled with non-existent disaster management expertise and systems
added to the horrors of the earthquake.

2. Profiles of Best NGO

a. BEST (Basic Education and Employable Skill Training) NGO, an independent organization
that was established in 2001 for Afghan Refugees and was registered in Pakistan with Social
Welfare Department Govt of NWFP started earthquake rehabilitation operations in December
2005 with its area of jurisdiction being NWFP and Azad Kashmir.
b. Its HQ was at Peshawar with branches at Swabi, Mianwali, Battagram, Muzaffarabad,
Manshera and Abbottabad.
c. The NGO worked to promote education sector and child protection programme, which were
funded by National and International donors to included UNHCR (United Nations High
Commission for Regugees), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). WFP (World Food
Programme), UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) Un-HABITAT, NRC
(Norwegian Refugee Council), National Donors and NEF (National Education Foundation).
d. UNHCR and NRC provided the material including CGI sheets, tarpaulin covers and wooden
structure etc. Best was entrusted to supply these items to the affecttees. Constructed
bathroom in the camps and assisted in establishing and operating the camps in which
thousands of earthquake affecttees were given shelter. The NGO spent 111.5 Million on
camps activity in NWFP and AJK.
3. Case Brief
a. A source report having substantial evidence was received regarding misappropriation and
embezzlement of fund by some of the employees of Best NGO.
b. NAB (F) constituted seven teams for ground verification for different areas. These teams were
sent to Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Batagram, Mansehra and Abbottabad. A local ground verification
team was also deployed at Peshawar. The team worked hard day and night concluded
inspection and ground verification and collection of evidence in the difficult terrain of NWFP
and AJK in a specified time.
c. Formal inquiry in the case was authorized on 14 December 2007 and after quickly completing
the inquiry, investigation was authorized on 07 January 2008.
d. A Combined Investigation Team (CIT) of NAB (F) carried out detailed inquiry and investigation
and unearthed an embezzlement of Rs.28.06 Million by five officers of the BEST NGO. It was
a huge and difficult task but the Combined Investigation Team (CIT) because of their
dedication and professional acumen was able to complete the case well in time. The
 reference was prepared meanwhile the accused persons applied for Plea Bargain. Their
request for Plea Bargain was accepted and approved by the court. The details of Plea Bargain
amounts recovered are as follows: -
S# Name of accused Designation PB Amount
Recovered
1. Akhtar Nawaz Tech Coordinator 1.610 Million
2. Hammad Gillani Admn / Finance Asstt: 6.325 Million
3. Azfar Gillani Field Engineer 5.750 Million
4. Arif Mahmood Member of Purchase 4.025 Million
Committee
5. Muhammad Shafiq Operational Manager 10.350 Million
Total 28.06 Million

4. The recovered embezzled amount was handed over to BEST NGO and the NGO was fully assisted
by NAB (F) for utilization of recovered amount in implementation of different projects for the earthquake
affectees of different districts of NWFP. Most of these projects have been completed by June 2009, however
a few are still under process which will be completed by December 2009.

5. Projects Implemented:-
a. Watsan Sector: Rehabilitation works in Watsan identified and executed according to the laid
out design and specification.
b. Community Infrastructure Development Sector Rehabilitation works in infrastructure
development sector identified and carried out as per specification.
c. Mother Child Health Care / Reproductive Health Sector
(I). Mother-child health and Reproductive Health services at the door-step of the
community in a female-friendly environment as per the ISO standards provided.
(ii). Counseling services for adolescents and family planning provided in order to bring
positive changes and serenity to the lives of target female group.
d. Child Protection. Capacity of girls and boys, families, communities authorities strengthened to
effectively project orphaned and other vulnerable girls and boys and their families in the target
Districts.
e. School Reconstruction. undertaken the project of FG school at Kala Bagh which was
destroyed by the earthquake and was neglected by all donors as well as government
departments. It is pertinent to point out here that this school is providing education to 80
villages in the surrounding area.
f. Road construction. Constructed two PCC roads, one KM road from Panju link road to village
Chakkia, District Mansehra and one KM road from Safaida village to Basti Buland Khan
“Bagai Dheri” District Mansehra.
g. MCH Centre. Established a MCH center in UC Banian District Battagram in order to provide
health coverage to the local population.
h. Drinking Water Scheme. Gravity drinking water scheme undertaken with a water storage tank
at the top and distribution system for a large population at Abbottabad.