Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Lawmakers are divided over the findings of a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, formed to probe irregularities in the construction of Pokhara International Airport in Kaski district.
During a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on Sunday, lawmakers expressed contrasting views on the subcommittee’s report. The subcommittee, led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Prasad Lingden, has concluded that over Rs 10 billion was embezzled during the airport’s construction. It has recommended action against all those involved in the airport’s construction.
While some lawmakers were for taking action against officials based on the subcommittee’s report, others called for additional investigation before proceeding.
Participating in the discussion, lawmaker Prem Ale said that it would be inappropriate to question the authenticity of a report prepared through adequate discussions with experts and stakeholders. “The decisions that inflated the project cost from Rs 14 billion to Rs 22 billion are acts of corruption,” he added.
Another lawmaker, Aman Lal Modi, also said the subcommittee’s report should be taken seriously.
CPN-UML lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai, however, raised concerns about the report’s credibility. Stating that some individuals under scrutiny were also part of the subcommittee, he said this raises concerns about a conflict of interest.
In response, subcommittee chair Lingden said the report was based on facts and on-site studies. “We prepared this report based on consultations with experts and stakeholders, as well as on-site inspections. I request lawmakers not to dismiss this report as speculative,” Lingden added.
PAC Chair Rishikesh Pokharel said the subcommittee’s report has been distributed among PAC members for review and that the committee will hold discussions on the report’s findings in the next meeting.
The subcommittee has concluded in its report that irregularities began at the very onset of the tender process.
