A government inspection report has uncovered financial irregularities exceeding Rs 8.5 billion in Karachi’s Yellow Line BRT project. The Chief Minister’s Inspection Team described the findings as serious administrative and financial mismanagement. Consequently, the Anti-Corruption Department has registered an FIR following the inquiry.
Inquiry Reveals Financial Violations
The investigation examined the Karachi Mobility Project, which is receiving financial support from the World Bank. The Yellow Line BRT will connect Dawood Chowrangi in Quaidabad with Numaish. Additionally, the project includes Jam Sadiq Bridge and two transport depots in Karachi.
According to the report, former Project Director Zamir Abbasi and Director Jhaman Das approved advance payments. Officials allegedly bypassed mandatory checks involving consultants, project management teams, and relevant authorities. Therefore, established financial controls were ignored during project execution.
The report identified Rs 885 million in advance payments for Depot-I. It also recorded Rs 2 billion for Depot-II and Rs 5.682 billion for Jam Sadiq Bridge. Altogether, the questioned payments reached Rs 8.567 billion.
Report Recommends Criminal Investigation
Investigators concluded the advance payments violated official rules and provided undue benefits to contractors. Moreover, the report warned these actions placed the World Bank agreement at risk. Officials described the management approach as a classic case of sham administration.
The report recommended disciplinary action under relevant misconduct rules against those responsible. It also questioned the officials’ suitability for future public service positions.
Furthermore, investigators urged the Transport and Mass Transit Department to implement corrective measures. Following the recommendations, the Anti-Corruption Department registered an FIR and launched a criminal investigation into the project.
