An inquiry by the Sindh Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has exposed a major Karachi BRT corruption scandal tied to the Bus Rapid Transit Yellow Line project. Investigators identified financial discrepancies worth more than Rs. 8.5 billion, raising fresh concerns over the project’s management.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had ordered the inquiry after allegations of mismanagement exceeding Rs. 8 billion surfaced within the Transport Department. Bilal Memon led the inspection team, which completed its preliminary investigation and submitted recommendations directly to the chief minister.

According to the report, Project Director Zamir Abbasi and another official, Jhuman Das, allegedly bypassed established checks and balances. They reportedly approved advance payments of Rs. 8.5 billion to contractors, violating contractual terms and standard financial procedures in the process.

The report warned that these irregular payments could jeopardize both the Yellow Line project and existing agreements with financing institutions. This adds significant pressure on a project already under public scrutiny.

Investigators also uncovered repeated violations related to contract management. Additionally, they flagged issues involving tax deductions and procedures for depositing funds into the national exchequer.

The inquiry concluded that the officials’ actions amounted to an abuse of authority. Furthermore, it determined that their conduct caused real losses to the interests of the Sindh government and lending institutions involved in the project.

This Karachi BRT corruption scandal has already triggered a recommended criminal investigation. Authorities have since registered an anti-corruption case against those implicated.

Moreover, the report stated that this alleged misconduct could render the officials ineligible for future positions within the civil service. This case raises broader questions about financial oversight on large infrastructure projects in Sindh.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Line project’s progress now faces additional scrutiny as authorities work to address the fallout. Still, officials have not detailed how the project’s financing or timeline might change going forward.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing anti-corruption investigation and its findings. Finally, the case could set an important precedent for how the Sindh government handles financial accountability in future development projects across the province.