HYDERABAD: Sindh Local Government Secretary Syed Najam Ahmed Shah has reinstated director (planning and development control wing) of the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) Mohammad Bashir Awan, who is facing an inquiry in a land scam.

Awan was suspended on Oct 9, 2020 for his alleged involvement in gross irregularities in the discharge of his duties.

An inquiry committee to look into the allegations was constituted and was given 10 days to complete its work.

The committee, headed by additional secretary Jamaluddin Jalalani with Sindh Master Plan director Abdul Waqar and Karachi Development Authority member administration Abdul Qadeer Mangi

being its other members held the probe but its findings have not been made public.

Awan was accused of approving various housing schemes and commercial projects in the HDA against illegal gratification and allowing conversion of residential plots into commercial ones in violation of relevant Sindh High Court orders and directives of the Supreme Court-mandated water and drainage commission.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2021