KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has ordered a comprehensive inquiry following allegations of large-scale corruption in its engineering department, with claims that billions of rupees in development funds were misappropriated through fraudulent practices.
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The inquiry was announced by Mayor Murtaza Wahab after the Karachi Constructors Association (KCA), representing contractors working with civic bodies, raised concerns about tender manipulation, procurement of substandard materials, and contracts being awarded to favoured contractors without competitive bidding. Contractors also alleged excessive commission demands and blackmailing, which they said hindered the transparent execution of development projects.
In response, Mayor Wahab directed Municipal Commissioner Sumera Hussain to conduct a detailed and impartial examination of all aspects of the tendering, bidding, and procurement processes under scrutiny. The commissioner has been asked to submit a report within three days.
“The inquiry will assess whether established rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures were duly followed and determine if any irregularities occurred at any stage,” the KMC statement said. The mayor emphasised that transparency, accountability, and fair governance remain top priorities for the metropolitan administration.
Mayor Wahab also assured that any officials found responsible for misconduct would face strict legal action, while noting that if the allegations are proven baseless, the facts would be formally recorded to protect the credibility of the department.
KCA chairman S.M. Naeem Kazmi welcomed the move but stressed that the inquiry must be conducted in its true spirit rather than as a formality. “Growing corruption has made it impossible for us to compete. We welcome the mayor’s decision, but it must ensure that the inquiry produces the desired results,” he said.
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The inquiry comes amid growing public scrutiny of civic administration in Karachi, as contractors and residents demand accountability and transparency in municipal development projects.