Sindh Secretary for College Education Nadeemur Rehman Memon has ordered legal action against officials and contractors after alleged financial irregularities, procedural violations and prolonged delays were uncovered in two education development projects in Murad Memon Goth, Malir.
Officials said the decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Memon, who directed the immediate issuance of legal and show-cause notices, a comprehensive audit of project records, and action under the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) Rules against those found responsible.
Officials informed the secretary that serious financial discrepancies had been detected in the girls’ college project. According to project records, former executive engineer Maqsood Ali Shah allegedly authorised advance payments to the contractor, M/s New M.A. Enterprises, in violation of prescribed financial procedures.
Although the approved cost of the project was Rs95.583 million, payments amounting to Rs88.421 million had already been released, while physical progress stood at only 60%. Construction completed on site was valued at Rs57.505 million, leaving work worth Rs30.916 million yet to be executed.
The meeting was further informed that additional works, including the installation of large porcelain tiles, UPVC windows and specialised roof treatment, had been carried out without the approval of the competent authority, resulting in significant discrepancies in the official Measurement Book (MB).
A review of the Shaheed Ghulam Murtaza Baloch Library and Auditorium Hall project also revealed serious contractual lapses. Officials said that despite the revised project cost of Rs111.166 million, expenditures of Rs65.825 million had already been incurred, while a secured advance of Rs39.612 million had been paid to M/s Burak Enterprises. However, physical progress remained stalled at 40%, with construction abandoned despite repeated departmental notices.
Taking serious notice of the findings, Memon ordered issuing a show-cause notice to former executive engineer Maqsood Ali Shah, seeking a written explanation over the alleged violations of financial discipline. He also directed both contractors to immediately resume construction work and submit written explanations for the delays within 15 days, warning that failure to comply would lead to blacklisting proceedings under the SPPRA Rules.
The secretary further ordered the forfeiture of the girls’ college contractor’s security deposit of approximately Rs4.349 million and directed legal action to recover the secured advance paid under the library project.
Memon instructed the department to closely monitor both schemes, verify all financial and technical records, ensure strict compliance with procurement rules and expedite completion of the projects without compromising quality. “Misuse of public funds, avoidable delays in development projects and violations of financial rules will not be tolerated. Anyone found responsible will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.
