13-month probe fails to trace alleged Rs22 billion corruption in Pak-PWD

ISLAMABAD: A 13-month-long investigation by the Pakistan Public Works Department has failed to trace the officials involved in the alleged corruption and embezzlement of Rs22 billion in development schemes in Karachi.

Officials from the Pak-PWD submitted a report on the inquiry to the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works. The committee had sought details regarding the inquiry committee and its report, and the actions taken against officials allegedly involvement in the corruption or embezzlement of Rs22 billion.

In response, the report submitted to the Senate committee stated that a committee comprising five senior district-wise officers Amir Rafiq, SE Korangi Karachi Central; Shoaib Farhan Abro, SE Naushero Feroze, Sanghar, Dadu, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Larkana, Shahdat Kot; Imran Shams, EE Malir, Kemari; Hiranand Dodani, EE Karachi Central, Korangi; Faraz Saleem, EE Naushero Feroze and Mirpurkhass (E/M Works) investigated any potential corruption or embezzlement.

The report further detailed that the committee conducted random inspections of 124 schemes worth Rs1654 million.

“The work executed by the respective divisions generally adhered to the envisaged scope and specifications. No embezzlement or corruption was identified during the inspections, but some lapses were noted. The executive engineers concerned have been directed to rectify these lapses,” the report said.

According to the report, the given areas are vast and remote, and the verification process of submitted records and random checking of schemes is time-consuming. Therefore, the verification is still ongoing. To expedite corrective measures, the report recommended facilitating prompt intervention where any corruption or embezzlement is observed.

It is noteworthy that in November 1 last year, the alleged corruption in Pak-PWD Karachi was revealed in the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works. Following the revelation, the committee had ordered an investigation into the alleged corruption.

Despite the passage of 13 months, the investigation committee formed by Pak-PWD has failed to uncover the details of the alleged corruption.