Comstech chief found guilty of misconduct in president-ordered probe

An inquiry committee established by President Asif Ali Zardari has declared Dr. Iqbal Choudhry, the top official of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (Comstech), guilty of multiple charges of misconduct. The report, seen by Dawn, details accusations of financial irregularities, violation of executive orders, and non-compliance with court directives.

Dr. Choudhry, who was initially appointed in 2020 and reappointed in October 2024 for a four-year term, has challenged the proceedings. He described the inquiry as "one-sided" and questioned its legality. The committee, headed by Dr. Asim Hussain, found that Dr. Choudhry failed to implement presidential instructions, violated court orders, and did not respond to complaints. It also noted that Comstech Executive Committee meetings had not been held for four years, with Dr. Choudhry making most decisions unilaterally, labeling this as "maladministration."

Further allegations include unauthorized and illegal expenditures incurred without budgetary approval, with the report recommending strict disciplinary action for alleged misuse of funds, including for personal benefit. The committee also pointed to Dr. Choudhry undertaking over 70 foreign trips in six years without prior presidential approval, some to non-Comstech-associated countries, and allegedly using funds for female associates' travel and accommodation.

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one-sided inquiry