HMC fails to provide record of LED billboards on Autobahn Road

Anti-Corruption Establishment inquiry stalled as officials skip summons and withhold documents

HYDERABAD:

The Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) has failed to produce records of LED billboards installed for advertising on Auto Bhan Road, despite repeated notices from the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE). Officials summoned to appear before the inquiry team neither attended the hearing nor submitted any documents through mail.

According to details, the Sindh government's 2.2-kilometer flagship project - the dual carriage Autobahn Road — has LED screens installed on streetlight poles along the central divider for commercial advertising. Complaints were lodged regarding alleged irregularities and nepotism in the awarding of advertising contracts for the fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25.

Acting on a petition filed by Pakistan Youth Committee Chairman Kashif Hussain Shah, the ACE appointed Inspector Agha Hussain as inquiry officer. He directed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure that the Director of Taxes appeared before him on September 30 at Shehbaz Building, Block A, Hyderabad, to record a statement and bring complete documentation. The required documents included records of LED billboards installed on Autobahn Road, the NOCs issued for them, payment challans, details of tenders and auctions, as well as related newspaper clippings. However, on Tuesday, no HMC official appeared before the ACE office, nor was any record submitted through post. Sources said the non-cooperation of the HMC has deepened suspicions of irregularities, and ACE is now considering further legal action.