The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday denied reports of an inquiry being initiated into the alleged misuse of funds for the Sukkur or Guddu barrage projects.

In a statement, the bureau said that certain media outlets had circulated reports regarding the initiation of an inquiry by NAB Sukkur into the “alleged misappropriation of funds in the Sukkur or Guddu barrage rehabilitation project”.

“It is unequivocally clarified that no such inquiry or investigation is underway in this matter at NAB Sukkur,” the statement said.

It said that a complaint was received, which had been forwarded to the Accountability Facilitation Cell (AFC) at the Sindh chief secretary’s office for “further necessary action in accordance with our standard operating procedures”.

“We will keep the public informed of any development in accordance with our transparency protocols/law,” the accountability bureau said.

The Sindh Barrages Improvement Project, funded by the World Bank, is the provincial government’s flagship project. Under the project, the government is carrying out the rehabilitation of the 85-year-old Sukkur barrage to enhance its useful life to safeguard the reliable supply of irrigation water.