Nazir Siyal
KARACHI: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered a formal inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Department against the Chairman of Mian Sarfraz Town Municipal Corporation, Hyderabad, over blatant corruption, fund misuse, and administrative irregularities.
Chairman Approves Rs 1.25 Billion Budget Without Council Meeting
The Chairman approved the 2024–2025 budget without calling a council session and withdrew monthly OZT funds without the Town Municipal Commissioner’s signature. He also kept the official record in his personal custody.
PAC Session Presided Over by Nisar Khuhro here on Tuesday.
The meeting took place in the committee room under the chairmanship of Nisar Khuhro, with participation from committee members, the LG Director of Hyderabad, TMC Mustafa Bilal, Commissioner Noor Muhammad Zardari, and multiple UC vice chairmen.
Vice Chairmen Accuse Chairman of Corruption and Mismanagement
Multiple UC Vice Chairmen accused the Town Chairman of unauthorized fund usage, bypassing council procedures, and ignoring development work across the town.
Chairman Neglected Development in UCs, UC 24 Complaint
The Vice Chairman of UC 24 said the Chairman kept the UCs deprived of development projects and completely ignored their concerns.
Chairman Passed Budget Alone – UC 35 Vice Chairman
UC 35’s Vice Chairman said the Chairman passed the town budget on his own, without holding a council meeting.
Chairman Only Holds Photo Sessions – UC 24 Vice Chairman
The Vice Chairman of UC 24 alleged that the Chairman invites people for tea and photos but takes no practical action, while collecting Rs 400 per slip from shopkeepers as extortion.
No Construction Work in UCs – UC 20 & UC 31
Vice Chairmen from UC 20 and UC 31 complained that not a single brick has been laid in their areas under the current administration.
Forensic Audit Demanded of Town Finances
The UC Vice Chairmen demanded a forensic audit of OZT spending and alleged mismanagement of financial resources.
PAC Seeks Detailed Record of OZT Fund Usage
PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro asked for transparency and requested the record of monthly OZT fund utilization from the Town Chairman.
Rs 18 Million Monthly OZT Over Rs 10 Million on Salaries
Chairman Mustafa Bilal revealed that Rs 18 million is received monthly, with over Rs 10 million spent on staff salaries alone.
PAC: Just Rs 1 Million Monthly Development Could Have Silenced Critics
Nisar Khuhro said allocating just Rs 1 million per month for each UC’s development could have prevented criticism.
Chairman Unable to Provide Budget Meeting Records
PAC grilled the Chairman for failing to provide meeting minutes or evidence that the budget session was ever held.
No Official Notification Issued for Budget Meeting
The LG Director of Hyderabad confirmed that no official notice or minutes were received by the department regarding the town’s budget session.
Funds Withdrawn Without Authorization, only Rs 2.6 Million Left
The Municipal Commissioner revealed that Rs 18 million in OZT funds were withdrawn without his signature, and only Rs 2.6 million remained in the bank.
Town Offices Locked, Records Withheld by Chairman
The Commissioner told PAC that the official town record is in the personal possession of the Chairman, and three town offices remain locked.
Chairman Spends Rs 2 Million Monthly on Petrol
PAC was informed that the Chairman uses Rs 2 million every month just on petrol expenses.
Town Affairs Affected by Internal Disputes
The LG Director stated that conflicts between the Chairman, the Commissioner, and UC Vice Chairmen have badly disrupted the functioning of the town.
Local Government Meant to Empower People, Not Individuals
PAC member Khurram Karim Soomro said the LG system should strengthen grassroots governance, not just individual figures.
PAC Confirms Full Anti-Corruption Inquiry
Concluding the session, PAC formally ordered anti-corruption authorities to conduct a full investigation into the allegations against the Chairman of Mian Sarfraz Town.
