Sindh

‘Corruption at its peak in Keamari district’

Contractors say officer notorious for malpractices appointed municipal commissioner

Our Correspondent January 18, 2022

KARACHI:

Newly-formed municipal district of Keamari has allegedly become a hotbed of corruption and nepotism, contractors of development work claimed talking to The Express Tribune on Monday.

Sources in the city government confided that a powerful lobby in the Sindh government has ensured appointment of handpicked in the Keamari district, who are notorious for corruption and malpractices.

Keamari Municipal Commissioner, Iqbal Phulpoto was once again in the limelight facing accusations of carrying out corruption, making bogus payments and taking commission for approving contracts.

Senior officers and contractors have appealed to higher authorities and investigating agencies to take immediate notice of on-going embezzlement of government resources in the district.

The contractors staged a protest in the DMC office against non-payment to contractors.

The protestors claimed that the corrupt officers have stopped payments to contractors who have not paid them hefty commission.

They said that development works were being carried out only in fake and bogus files, whereas on ground the Keamari district was in worst condition.

Contractors protesting outside the municipal commissioner's office chanted slogans against Phulpoto and accused him of favouring contractors of choice.

The contractors termed Keamari district as a hotbed of corruption and appealed to the higher authorities to take immediate notice.

Senior officials and contractors have demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged loot and plunder of public resources in Keamari district by NAB and anti-corruption establishment.

It may be noted that Iqbal Phulpoto was earlier posted as Municipal Commissioner in Keamari district and he was accused of handing over the main revenue department of DMC to a favoured advertising agency without auction.

Later, on serious complaints, he was removed from Keamari district but, a few days later, due to alleged political pressure, he was again posted in Keamari district and the government revenue was put at stake.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2022.