Islamabad: A recent meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro at the Parliament House, highlighted alleged corruption and project delays in Sindh. The meeting, attended by several senators, focused on issues related to foreign-funded projects in Sindh, power sector recoveries, and the Karachi Mass Transit schemes.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee raised serious concerns about alleged financial irregularities in Sindh’s foreign-funded projects, notably the Sindh Solar Energy project, which involved fake invoices amounting to US$12.5 million. The committee directed the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to ensure attendance of relevant officials in future meetings to address these concerns.

The committee also discussed the non-compliance in recovering Rs. 1.282 billion from a qualified firm involved in the Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project. Additionally, the Power Division’s handling of the Rs. 20.8 billion recovery from M/s GE was scrutinized, with the committee demanding further action from the EAD.

The Karachi Mass Transit Plan was another focal point, with the committee informed of delays causing an increase in project costs by approximately US$100 million. The committee expressed disapproval of the substantial payments made to contractors despite slow progress and called for a detailed review of financial procedures and rules.

Further concerns were raised regarding the KBRT Yellow Line Project, where costs have escalated from an estimated USD 439 million to USD 620 million. The committee demanded an inquiry into the excessive payments and project delays, emphasizing the need for financial oversight and transparency.

The committee concluded by directing the EAD to ensure the presence of key officials at the next meeting to address these ongoing issues comprehensively.