More than 193 development schemes worth billions of rupees, proposed by MNAs from Karachi and Hyderabad, have been cancelled following allegations of serious irregularities in the tendering process, sources told The Express Tribune.
The Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) — now responsible for executing these projects — scrapped all the tenders issued two months ago, citing concerns over corruption linked to former officers of the now-defunct Public Works Department (PWD).
According to sources, the development schemes had been initiated on the recommendations of MNAs from both cities and were previously handled by the PWD. After the department's dissolution, the execution of such federally-funded schemes was transferred to PIDCL. However, the company reportedly enlisted the help of several ex-PWD officials to oversee the tendering process, which led to the awarding of contracts through e-tendering.
Senior contractors allege that the process was marred by serious irregularities and contract trading. In response, PIDCL CEO Waseem Bajwa and General Manager Shafi Chachar took strict notice and ordered the cancellation of all awarded tenders.
Sources further revealed that PIDCL plans to issue fresh advertisements for re-tendering the schemes. However, the cancellations have brought development work in Karachi and Hyderabad to a standstill, raising concerns among lawmakers over the future of their constituency funds.
Insiders also noted that PIDCL lacks the engineering capacity required to manage such a large volume of development projects - a shortfall that could jeopardize the timely utilisation of MNA development funds.
Despite repeated attempts, the PIDCL general manager could not be reached for comment.
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