CM Orders Probe into KDA’s Rs11.33B Irregular Contracts

KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has mandated a high-level inquiry into the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) for awarding Rs11.33 billion in contracts without mandatory tendering, as reported by a news outlet.

The probe was triggered by a complaint from the Sindh Contractors Association, which accused the KDA of granting consultancy contracts to Atif Nazar & Company without advertising or competitive bidding.

An inquiry committee, headed by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Planning Minister Jam Khan Shoro, will scrutinize all KDA consultancy and development projects exceeding Rs11 billion, pinpointing violations of procurement rules.

Documents reveal that the Karimabad Underpass project’s cost skyrocketed from Rs700 million to Rs3.81 billion after new rates were applied to an outdated tender, a flagrant “serious procedural lapse.” Similar irregularities were noted in the Munawwar Chowrangi Underpass project.

Officials disclosed that Atif Nazar & Company was designated an “in-house consultant” without proper procedure and permitted to draft its own PC-1, breaching procurement regulations.

CM Shah demanded a transparent inquiry and vowed strict action against those culpable, emphasizing that accountability will be enforced across all development authorities.