SHC issues show-cause to ACE chief over 'negligence'

ACE chairman was directed to explain why the case should not be referred to NAB for further investigation

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court has issued a show-cause notice to the Anti-Corruption Establishment chairman over an alleged delay in the investigation of the Yellow Line corruption case.

The notice was issued during the hearing of a petition concerning the delay in the investigation. The court observed that following registration of the FIR, a report had not been submitted under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The court noted that no explanation had been provided for the alleged unnecessary delay in the investigation or the failure to submit the report. It observed that the delay appeared to indicate serious negligence and questioned whether the investigation was being deliberately delayed.

The ACE chairman was directed to explain why the case should not be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for further investigation. He was also asked to explain why departmental action should not be initiated against him over the alleged negligence.

The case relates to alleged corruption in the Karachi Mobility Project, commonly known as the Yellow Line. The World Bank-backed project includes construction contracts for the new Jam Sadiq Bridge, Depot One near Dawood Chowrangi and Depot Two near Indus Hospital.

The court adjourned the hearing until October 7, 2025.