Karachi:
The federal government has decided to restart stagnant development projects in Karachi and Hyderabad using federal funds, with a firm commitment to transparency and tender based on merit. The movement aims to eliminate the interference of corrupt networks and parallel administrative systems that have historically undermined infrastructure development.
The Pakistan Limited Infrastructure Development Company has announced the Renaissance of 193 development schemes, previously canceled due to irregularities and lack of competition. These projects, worth bills of rupees, were originally approved for the constituencies represented by the AMN of the Muttahida Qaumi-Pakistan movement (MQM-P).
PIDCL has finished two main financing packages: RS15 billion for Karachi and RS five billion for Hyderabad, under which the development of infrastructure will be carried out in line with strict procedures based on merit. According to new guidelines, tenders will be awarded without commission, bribes or political interference cuts.
“The contracts will no longer be sold, and all payments will be made transparently. The projects will be completed in time and in accordance with the approved standards,” said PIDCL general manager Shafi Chacha.
He added that contractors who quote rates more than 10% below the lowest bidder may be obliged to complete the work at their own cost to avoid manipulation through unsustainable tenders. All awarded contracts must be supported by valid bank guarantees, and no project will continue without complying with these financial safeguards.
To further strengthen transparency, PIDCL will implement an electronic processing system, which is expected to reduce favoritism and guarantee that tenders are granted purely by merit. Independent consultants will be appointed to monitor the execution of the project and adherence to quality standards.
Of the 410 development schemes initially proposed by MQM-P MNA, 193 were previously canceled due to the presence of individual bidders or unhealthy competition. Pidcl plans to re -broadcast tenders for these schemes in the next few days.
In response to concerns about billing fraud, Chachar said Pidcl will coordinate with the relevant departments in the start and completion stages of each project. The signs that show the details of the project will also be installed in the construction sites to guarantee public visibility and responsibility.
“The Federal Government has published the required funds, and the development work has already begun under the supervision of the citizens of Karachi and Hyderabad will begin to see tangible improvements once the schemes are completed,” he added.
The movement to carry out the development “free of systems”, without political brokerage or corrupt intermediaries, marks a crucial change in the approach to urban infrastructure in the two largest cities in Sindh. PIDCL officials expressed hope that the initiative would restore public trust in development programs and provide residents to residents.
