MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has declared null and void the tender process of civil works of three hydroelectric power projects worth billions of rupees organized by the Power Development Organization (PDO).
A full bench comprising Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, Senior Judge Justice Raza Ali Khan, and Justice Khalid Yusuf Chaudhry delivered the verdict, ordering fresh e-tendering to ensure transparency.
The court heard multiple appeals challenging an earlier decision of the High Court, which had upheld the original tendering process.
After hearing the parties, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court ruling and directed the concerned department to conduct fresh e-tendering under transparent procedures.
The projects involved include the Nowshera Hydropower Project, Phalawai Hydropower Project, and Khurshidabad Hydropower Project, each reportedly valued at more than Rs1 billion.
According to details presented before the court, disputes and allegations surfaced during the tender process, with claims that influential individuals attempted to manipulate the contracts in favor of certain parties.
The affected companies initially approached the High Court, but later challenged its decision before the Supreme Court.
