Corruption uncovered: Report finds huge mismanagement in Quetta Metropolitan Corporation

QUETTA: The Anti-Corruption Department finalised its inquiry into the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) and has presented its report to Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti.

The investigation unveiled extensive mismanagement and irregularities within the QMC. This raised a huge question mark regarding the operational integrity and governance of the organisation.

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As per the Director General of the Anti-Corruption Department, the investigation revealed that around 1,500 daily wage workers were hired for cleaning duties within the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation.

However, the report found that many of these workers were not fulfilling their assigned responsibilities.

The QMC has also established a school aimed at serving the children of its employees. Yet, the investigation found that the children of QMC staff were not enrolled in then institution.

The report indicates that the QMC has been covering the rent for the school building, despite the absence of students.

Corruption is a widespread issue in Balochistan and throughout Pakistan. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2022, Pakistan was ranked 140th out of 180 nations.

The report stated that Balochistan in particular faces issues with mismanagement and corruption.

The provincial government of Balochistan has faced numerous corruption allegations, especially concerning the distribution of development funds and public contracts.

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A report by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) indicated that approximately 70 per cent of development initiatives in the province are tainted by corruption, resulting in subpar work and incomplete projects.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) reported that corruption costs the nation billions of dollars each year, especially at a time where inflation has decimated the economy and local populace.