KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has ordered an inquiry after the Karachi Constructors Association (KCA) levelled serious allegations of large-scale corruption against officials of the civic body’s engineering department, claiming that billions of rupees in development funds had been misappropriated through fraudulent practices.

The inquiry was announced by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who took notice of the concerns raised by the contractors’ body and directed the municipal administration to conduct a comprehensive and impartial examination of the tendering, bidding and procurement processes within the KMC.

A couple of days ago, the KCA, which represents contractors working with civic bodies and government organisations, accused senior engineering officials of manipulating tenders, procuring substandard materials and awarding contracts to favoured contractors without competitive bidding.

The association also alleged that contractors were subjected to excessive commission demands and blackmailing, making it difficult for them to execute development schemes in a transparent and timely manner.

Asks municipal commissioner to submit report within three days on tendering, bidding, procurement processes

Responding to the allegations, the KMC on Friday issued a statement announcing that Mayor Wahab had taken “serious notice” of the complaints and ordered a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the matter.

According to the statement, the mayor has directed Municipal Commissioner of KMC, Sumera Hussain, to conduct a detailed examination of all aspects of the tendering, bidding and procurement processes under question.

“The inquiry will assess whether established rules, regulations and standard operating procedures were duly followed and determine if any irregularities or lapses occurred at any stage,” the press statement said, adding that the municipal commissioner had been asked to submit a detailed report within three days.

The mayor reiterated that transparency, accountability and fair governance remained top priorities of the metropolitan administration.

He assured contractors, stakeholders and the public that any individual found responsible for misconduct or violations of rules would be dealt with strictly in accordance with law, without discrimination.

At the same time, the statement noted that if the allegations were found to be baseless, the facts would be placed on record to protect the credibility of the institution and its officials.

Meanwhile, KCA chairman S.M. Naeem Kazmi welcomed the move, but cautioned that the inquiry should be conducted in its true spirit and not merely as a formality.

“We want to make it clear that growing corruption has made it impossible for us to compete. We welcome the mayor’s decision, but he must ensure that the inquiry produces the desired results,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026