Latest news with #Barq
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
₹1.91-cr fine for power theft: Electricity dept finalises probe, Sambhal MP says not given hearing
The electricity department has finalised its investigation into a power theft case involving Sambhal MP Ziaur Rehman Barq, officials said. According to superintending engineer (SE) Vinod Kumar, the final report has been completed and a formal notice is set to be dispatched to the MP. The department had slapped a penalty of ₹1.91 crore on the MP, citing illegal power consumption discovered during a raid conducted in December 2024. The MP was also warned that if the amount was not paid within stipulated time, the department would proceed with issuing a recovery certificate. Officials claim that Barq was given multiple opportunities to present his side of the story. 'We extended the date several times to allow him a chance to respond. However, despite multiple notices, the matter remained unresolved. We have now finalised our report,' Kumar said. The case stems from an inspection conducted on December 19, 2024, at Barq's residence in Sambhal district's Deepa Sarai area, where officials allegedly discovered unauthorised electricity usage. According to officials, the inspection revealed that the residence was consuming more than 16 kilowatts (kW) of power, far beyond the sanctioned limit. An MRI (meter reading instrument) test reportedly showed zero consumption over several months, raising serious red flags, based on which the electricity department imposed a hefty fine of ₹1.91 crore and registered a formal case of power theft. However, Barq contested the department's claims, alleging he was never given a chance to defend himself. 'Every time a date was set, the executive engineer was not present in his office. My lawyer was not even informed about the next scheduled hearings. Without allowing me to present my side, the department is said to have finalised the report. This is a clear case of procedural injustice,' Barq claimed. The MP has indicated that he may pursue legal remedies to contest the department's actions, terming the entire process 'flawed and one-sided.'
Campaign ME
22-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Extend The Ad Network forms new board of directors to accelerate growth and strengthen governance
Extend The Ad Network, a Saudi group specialising in integrated marketing and strategic communications, has announced the formation of its new Board of Directors to lead the group into a new phase of expansion, innovation, and creative leadership. The move aims to enhance the company's competitiveness, boost its readiness for rapid market shifts, and drive innovation in line with the needs of local and regional markets. Get your tickets to the Campaign Breakfast Briefing: Marketing Strategies 2025 on May 29, where top industry leaders will gather to unpack game-changing practices within the world of marketing. The newly appointed board comprises of seasoned leaders with expertise spanning media, regulation, finance, technology, and organisational transformation. It is chaired by Mr. Bandar Mohammed Al-Asiri, with members including Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Enezi, Mr. Adnan Abdullah Al-Khalaf, Mr. Hisham Hassan Atiyah, and Eng. Sami Fahad Al-Rasheed. The Board convened for its inaugural meeting at the company's headquarters in Riyadh, where it approved a set of key governance initiatives, including the launch of a Nomination & Remuneration Committee and an Audit Committee, foundational steps toward more agile and transparent decision-making. This institutional milestone strengthens Extend The Ad Network's strategic footprint in the marketing, communications, and advertising space across the Middle East and North Africa. The company continues to invest in data-driven marketing solutions that harness creative talent and advanced technology to build stronger brand engagement. The board of directors includes: Mr. Bandar Mohammed Asiri – Chairman of the Board Mr. Asiri is a leader in business, governance, and media. He served on the media team for Saudi Vision 2030, was a member of the Shura Council, and chaired the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, Arabsat, and the Media ٌRating Company. He also served on the Board of the General Entertainment Authority. Previously, he held leadership roles at AL-KHALEEJIAH Advertising & Public Relations Company and Almarai. Today, he is Co-Founder and General Manager of Suhail International, and Co-Founder of Mal Media Group and Najla Foods. His institutional and entrepreneurial experience will strategically steer 'Extend' in line with the Kingdom's national development goals. Ahmed Mohammed Alanazi – Board Member A pioneer in fintech and digital transformation, Mr. Alanazi has led initiatives, including the public launch of Barq wallet and the development of STCPay. As CEO of AlBuraq Financial Company and a board member of the Insurance Authority and eFinance Investment Group, he brings financial acumen and a digital-first mindset that will bolster Extend's innovation strategy and tech-enabled service offerings. Adnan Abdullah Al-Khalaf – Board Member With extensive experience across sectors such as retail, telecommunications, sports, and tourism, Mr. Al-Khalaf is a seasoned executive recognised for driving transformation in large organisations. He serves on the boards of the Riyadh Chamber, Al-Saif Agencies, L'azurde Jewelry, and Trophy Commercial, and leads the Quality of Life Office for Administrative Consulting. His strategic versatility and operational insight will help scale Extend's integrated solutions across industries. Hisham Hassan Attia – Board Member A financial strategist with deep roots in the media and human capital sectors, Mr. Attia is the CFO and board member of Al Holoul Al Mutakamela Holding Company. With a career spanning corporate finance roles at Saudi Research and Media Group, Arthur Andersen, and Ernst & Young, his expertise will strengthen Extend's financial governance and support sustainable growth initiatives. Eng. Sami Fahd Al-Rashid – Board Member As a co-founder of Extend and a visionary in marketing and strategic growth, Mr. Al-Rashid brings a legacy of leadership and brand building. His 10 years of experience as Extend's CEO and his involvement in national-level committees, such as the Riyadh Chamber's Advertising and Publicity Committee, underscore his deep industry knowledge. His return to the board signals continuity and creative evolution at Extend. Extend The Ad Network is a Saudi-based firm offering end-to-end marketing and communications services, combining digital capabilities with creative strategy. Its portfolio spans media planning, brand identity, influencer marketing, public relations, content production, and AI-powered solutions.
