An inquiry conducted by the Sindh Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has uncovered financial irregularities exceeding Rs. 8.5 billion in Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line project.
The investigation was initiated on the instructions of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah after allegations of financial mismanagement in the Transport Department involving more than Rs. 8 billion. The inspection team, led by Bilal Memon, has completed its preliminary findings and submitted its report to the chief minister.
According to the report, Project Director Zamir Abbasi and another official, Jhuman Das, are accused of bypassing financial controls and approving advance payments worth Rs. 8.5 billion to contractors in violation of contractual and financial rules.
The report further states that these irregular payments have put both the Yellow Line project and its agreements with financing institutions at serious risk.
Investigators also identified repeated violations in contract management, tax deductions, and the proper deposit of funds into the national exchequer. The findings conclude that the actions of the officials constitute abuse of authority and have caused significant financial loss to the Sindh government and lending partners.
The inquiry has also noted that a criminal investigation has already been recommended, and an anti-corruption case has been registered. It further warns that the alleged misconduct may lead to disqualification of the officials from future public service roles.
