ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has expressed serious concern over alleged irregularities in foreign-funded development projects in Sindh, including delays in major transport initiatives and issues related to power sector contracts.
The meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator Saifullah Abro, where members reviewed progress and financial compliance in various ongoing projects funded through international assistance.
During the session, the committee highlighted concerns over alleged corruption and inefficiencies in Karachi Mass Transit projects and questioned delays in execution. Members also raised issues regarding the recovery of billions of rupees in the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad transmission line project.
The committee was informed about alleged non-compliance in recovering approximately Rs1.282 billion from relevant firms and departments involved in procurement and contract awarding processes.
Expressing strong reservations, the committee directed the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to formally write to the Chief Secretary Sindh, ensuring the Chairman Planning and Development Department appears before the committee to provide a detailed briefing on foreign-funded projects.
The panel further recommended that the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs be informed so that strict action could be taken against officials allegedly involved in irregularities, with emphasis on improving transparency, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms.
Lawmakers also reiterated an earlier recommendation for the establishment of a dedicated monitoring desk within the EAD to oversee tendering processes, minimize risks of irregularities, and coordinate with donor agencies for better project supervision.
The committee also reviewed earlier directives regarding accountability in the Dasu–Islamabad transmission project, including proposals to refer cases to relevant accountability and investigative bodies for further action.
Officials were warned that failure to comply with committee recommendations would not be tolerated as lawmakers stressed the need for transparency in all foreign-funded development initiatives.
