KMC municipal commissioner’s appointment cancelled

Govt seizes KMC accounts over ‘unauthorised use’, later reverses order

KARACHI: In a sudden move, the Sindh government ordered the seizure of all accounts of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) on Thursday. This decision was then reversed and the appointment of the KMC’s municipal commissioner was cancelled.

The government of Sindh's local government and housing and town planning department ordered this while sending a letter to the presidents of three banks – the National Bank of Pakistan, Sindh Bank Limited and Habib Bank Limited.

The Sindh government’s sudden move came after their appointed municipal commissioner, Dr Badar Jameel, was not being allowed to operate the KMC’s accounts.

According to the Sindh government, the accounts are being operated by unauthorised persons other than Sindh government's officer, which they consider ‘highly objectionable’.

The government directed the heads of three banks to seize the accounts and not entertain the cheques of the KMC till further orders, in order to ensure the maintenance of administrative and financial discipline and avoid misuse of funds.



However, the decision was taken back later on Thursday evening by Local Government minister Jam Khan Shoro. Dr Jameel’s appointment order was also cancelled.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mayor Wasim Akhtar said that Sindh government's decision would have hampered the development of Karachi and affected its residents.

He remarked that the Sindh government should not place any hurdles in their way, as they also believe in the development of Karachi.

According to him, they had given additional charge of municipal commissioner to a grade 19 officer. He said that they would welcome the appointment of a municipal commissioner if the Sindh government consults with them prior to the officer’s appointment.

According to Akhtar, the Sindh government appointed Dr Jameel without consulting him and he prevented him from taking charge, which led to the seizure of the KMC’s accounts.