Senior Karachi BRT Staff Accused of Paying Billions to Contractors Without Permission

An inquiry conducted by the Sindh Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has found financial irregularities worth more than Rs. 8.5 billion in Karachi’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line project.

The inquiry was ordered by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah following allegations of financial mismanagement exceeding Rs. 8 billion in the Transport Department. The inspection team, headed by Bilal Memon, has completed its preliminary investigation and submitted recommendations to the chief minister.

According to the report, Project Director Zamir Abbasi and another official, Jhuman Das, allegedly bypassed established checks and balances and approved advance payments of Rs. 8.5 billion to contractors in violation of contractual terms and financial procedures.

The report warned that the irregular payments put both the Yellow Line project and agreements with financing institutions at risk.

Investigators also found repeated violations related to contract management, tax deductions, and procedures for depositing funds into the national exchequer. The report concluded that the actions of the officials amounted to an abuse of authority and caused losses to the interests of the Sindh government and lending institutions.

The inquiry noted that a criminal investigation had already been recommended and an anti corruption case has since been registered. It further stated that the alleged misconduct could render the officials ineligible for future positions in the civil service.