EARTH NEWS SERVICE Srinagar, Dec 13|15: In an embarrassment to state government, the tourism department floated a tender for procuring office equipment, asking the suppliers to deliver and install the items at Quaid-e-Azam University in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. A tender notice of the department last month, approved by the Directorate of Tourism, for procuring laptops and computer accessories, had asked the suppliers to deliver and install the items at Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre (PASTIC) building of Quaide-Azam University in Islamabad–the capital city of Pakistan. The terms and conditions of the tender notice seem to have been copied from a similar tender from the Pakistan University without editing any details or even the contact number. “Items must be delivered/installed at PASTIC National Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University Campus, Islamabad within the time limit mentioned in the supply order at the cost of the supplier,” the tender read. It further asked the suppliers that the “bid must accompany with 2 per cent earnest money of the total cost in the shape of Bank Draft/Pay Order in favour of PASTIC National Centre, Islamabad”. The error has since been rectified but not before the screen shots of the same were circulated around. Meanwhile, Mehmood Shah, Director Tourism said the department removed the tender from the website after coming to know about the “goofup”. “Perhaps someone hacked the website and changed the details of the tender. We then removed it from the website,” he said. However, even after rectification, the modified tender notice still bears the contact number of Additional Director (A&F) with the telephone number and code of Islamabad. The department had asked the suppliers to deliver the items within seven days or earlier on receipt of supply order. It also said that no transportation and carriage charges would be paid for delivery across the international border or installation of the equipment.
