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International bidding for buying scanners not possible: Senate body informed
ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP): Pakistan bought scanners from China on the basis of confessional tide loan which ultimately means that a competitive international bidding could not be made for the process of buying scanners. This was informed during the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior here on Monday, chaired by Abdul Qadir Patel, Chairman of the committee.Project Director of buying scanners informed the meeting that the question of buying scanners has been arised time and again and they have clarified it every time but even then mis-perceptions are being spread out in this regard.
He said that the contract of buying scanners was signed during the President’s visit to China in 2008.
The contract was made for 25 years, on the basis of confessional tide loan which ultimately means that an international competitive bidding could not be called to buy them.
The project director further clarified that the project was also approved by finance ministry.
Brushing aside the rumours of health hazards caused by the scanners on human lives, he said that the scanners have been inspected various times by health officials and the scientists of Pakistan Atomic Energy Agency also termed them safe.
He also rejected the allegation of the high price of the scanners and informed the meeting that the cost of one scanner at international market is $4.5 million to $9 million, whereas China gave them at the rate of $2.96 million.
About the quality of the scanners, the project director held that the same scanners are already installed in 105 countries, thus no one can point finger on their quality.
Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, member of the committee urged that the government should have called for an open bidding for the purchase of scanners which must be advertised in the press.
Secretary Interior remarked this is the right thing, purchased in a right manner.
The meeting also discussed working and performance of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, achievements made by Pakistan Rangers during the past two years.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk