Skip to main content

Rampant corruption mars KW&SB

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Corruption and mismanagement at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) seem to have become so rampant and the menace was only to grow further to the extent of being irreversible if most drastic action was not initiated to overcome it. 

The situation in this public utility organization is reported to have reached its present stage due to malpractices carried out at the behest of the various political parties who desired to have their maximum possible control at this organization as they considered it a goose delivering golden eggs. 

A number of official documents containing disgusting material verified the growing concerns about the ruining of this particular organization which enjoyed good reputation in the past in the absence of political interventions. 

One of documents showed the name of one Aijaz Kazmi, a Superintending Engineer (BS-19), in his last quarter of service, getting himself posted in BS-20 as Deputy MD Planning on OPS basis in gross violation of order of Supreme Court and is maneuvering to get himself promoted to BS 20. 

According to the documents, next to him ready to join the cruise and ride on the BS-20 slots, were Mohammed Saqib and Shoaib Tughlaq, both enjoying BS-20 OPS as DMD and Secretary KWSB, against the orders of the Supreme Court. They were believed to have made their way from low clerical ranks and through out of turn promotions. 

They were shown in lower cadre rank until 2006-07 when more than 100 tax officers (BS-17) in the 1987 to 1094 had 15 to 20 years of service. Shoaib and Tughlaq, with some other clerks, jumped to grade BS-18 in Accounted and Administration, allegedly by tempering the records. 

Shakil Qureshi, Tariq Latif, Ayub Shaikh, Hashim Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, thought to be enjoying blessings of a political party, have reportedly extended total support for Aijaz Kazmi. They were also believed to be supported MD Asadullah and Prof Sarosh Lodhi, Vice Chancellor of NED University, who is also a member of KWSB. The Board’s HR Committee headed by Abdul Kabir Kazi and the Managing Director was also toeing similar line in promotion proposal. 

The documents revealed that Aijaz Kazmi and some others were facing enquiry on the order of Chief Minister, having been charge sheeted by the Chief Secretary for causing loss of billions of rupees to exchequer. The projects of K4, S3, Dhabeji Pumping, 35 MW Power Generation, Rehabilitation of Filter Plants and 100 MGD and 65 MGD projects have either failed or left incomplete, causing grave losses of government funds, due to the rampant corruption culture at the KW&SB. 

Meanwhile The Chief Secretary Sindh has submitted lists under enquiry officers in the High Court on court direction, advising that these officers could not be be considered for promotion. A notification issued by the Local Government has also reasserted that officers will not be considered for potion until cleared/exonerated from enquiries.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...

Akbar Ali Khan elected AMUOBA President, appointed SSUET Chancellor

  By Abdul Qadir Qureshi (Pakistan News & Features Services) Akbar Ali Khan, son of the distinguished Engr Zakir Ali Khan, has been elected as the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), thereby assuming the position of Chancellor at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET). He succeeds Jawaid Anwar as the university’s fourth Chancellor. SSUET was established in 1993 under the leadership of its founding Chancellor, Engr Z A Nizami. Following his passing in 2013, the role was subsequently held by Engr Adil Usman and Jawaid Anwar. Akbar Ali Khan now takes over this prestigious position, continuing his family’s legacy of service to the institution. The AMUOBA elections, held after a decade, witnessed the Zakir Ali Khan Panel securing victory over the Alig United Panel with a margin of 158 to 130 votes. Following his election, Akbar Ali Khan chaired the first Executive Committee meeting of AMUOBA, during which key office bearers we...

Ambassador explains Chinese role in curbing COVID-19

By Masood Sattar Khan  (Pakistan News & Features Services) The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, attended the preparation and response plan of the new crown epidemic on April 24. According to the details shared by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Yao Jing was invited to attend the Pakistan New Crown Outbreak Preparation and Response Plan (PPRP) on video conference. The meeting, organized by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Economic Affairs, Khasro Bakhtiar, Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Dr Zafar Mirza, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, General Muhammad Afzal, WHO Director-General, Tan Desai besides the representatives of World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, UNHCR, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and envoys from more than 20 countries.  Besides China, envoys from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the European Unio...