Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered a high-level inquiry into the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) for awarding contracts worth Rs11.33 billion without mandatory tendering, according to a news report.
The move follows a complaint from the Sindh Contractors Association, which alleged that KDA granted consultancy contracts to Atif Nazar & Company without advertising or competitive bidding.
An inquiry committee led by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Planning Minister Jam Khan Shoro will review all KDA consultancy and development projects exceeding Rs11 billion and identify procurement rule violations.
Documents show that the Karimabad Underpass project’s cost rose from Rs700 million to Rs3.81 billion after new rates were applied to an old tender, a violation flagged as a “serious procedural lapse.” The Munawwar Chowrangi Underpass was also cited for similar irregularities.
Officials said the firm was declared an “in-house consultant” without due process and allowed to prepare its own PC-1, breaching procurement regulations.
CM Shah directed that the inquiry be transparent and warned that strict action will be taken against those responsible. He added that accountability in all development authorities will be ensured.
