Rs1 billion irregularities uncovered in Sindh's transmission line project: PAC expresses concern

The Sindh Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has uncovered significant irregularities amounting to Rs. 1 billion in the installation of a 132 kV transmission line, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.

During a PAC meeting chaired by Nisar Ahmad Khoroit was revealed that the contract for the project had been awarded to a company that lacked the necessary qualifications.

According to the Auditor General's report presented at the meeting, the Sindh Department of Energy awarded the contract in 2015 to a company registered only in 2009, raising serious questions about the selection process. The report highlighted that the company was not adequately qualified to undertake such a critical infrastructure project.

The PAC, including members Sadia Javed and Makhdoom Fakhruz Zaman expressed deep concern over these findings. Irregularities were also reported in other significant projects in Thar, including the construction of Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, a 134 km road, and a drainage system for wastewater.

In response to these revelations, the Secretary of Energy informed the committee that the records of these projects had been transferred to the Public Health Department following a Supreme Court order. The Secretary stated that the Department of Energy no longer held the relevant documentation.

Chairman Nisar Ahmad Khoro expressed dissatisfaction with this explanation, emphasizing that the lack of record presentation has resulted in a substantial loss and hampered the committee's ability to hold those responsible accountable. The PAC is now pushing for further investigation into these irregularities to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.