HDA mum over anomalies in 13 shops' rent collection

The Sindh Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Hyderabad Zone, has for the third time summoned complete records from the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) regarding alleged corruption and financial losses in the recovery of dues and rent from 13 shops located in Qasimabad.

The competent authority has been instructed to submit all relevant documents and official records through a designated officer to the inquiry officer by August 27, 2025. The investigation stems from a letter forwarded by a former Director General of HDA to the Sindh government, which raised concerns over financial mismanagement.

A departmental inquiry report dated April 23, 2025, revealed that the 13 shops had been allotted on specific rental terms, but these conditions were widely violated. Despite this, officials including Ghulam Rasool Junejo (Chief Draftsman, P\&D), Muhammad Aslam (Office Superintendent, P\&D), and Javed Ahmed Khan (Assistant, P\&D) failed to take action, allegedly facilitating the irregularities that caused significant financial damage to the authority and provided illegal benefits to private parties.

Former DG Asghar Ali Ghaghro, upon assuming charge, ordered the suspension and issuance of show-cause notices to the three officers on March 12, 2025, while forming an inquiry committee. The committee's findings were later forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Police for further investigation.

According to sources, Ghulam Rasool Junejo was reinstated around six weeks ago, while the other two officials resumed duty about 15-20 days ago. However, insiders disclosed that in July 2025, the Chief Draftsman's brother was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Police on charges of sending forged letters under HDA's name to schools and institutions, demanding money. He remains in jail due to denial of bail. Despite repeated notices, the HDA has so far failed to provide certified copies of the required records to the inquiry officer.