Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Submits Report to Court; Petitioners’ Counsel Raises Objections, Claims 581 Flats Have Suspicious Allotments and Alleges Irregularities Worth Over Rs2 Billion
Sukkur : The matter concerning the alleged illegal allotment, occupation, unverified allocations, and lack of basic facilities at the Labour Flats in Sukkur has reached the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench, where a hearing was held on the petition.
In compliance with the court’s directions, a report regarding the Labour Flats was submitted on behalf of Deputy Commissioner Sukkur. However, counsel for the petitioners strongly objected to the report, describing it as contrary to the facts on the ground. Following the proceedings, the court adjourned further hearing of the case until September 24.
The two-member constitutional bench comprising Justice Arbab Ali Hakro and Justice Muhammad Usman Ali Hadi heard the petition concerning the Labour Flats.
Former Labour Department Director Ihtesham, current Director Zahid Hakro, ADC-II Bushra Ansari, petitioners Shehzad Mughal and Irfan Khoso, along with other relevant officials and persons, appeared before the court. Lawyers representing the parties, including Wajid Sheikh and Mujeeb Malano, also attended the proceedings.
In compliance with the court’s order, ADC Bushra Ansari, representing the Deputy Commissioner Sukkur, submitted the report concerning the Labour Flats.
After the report was presented, counsel for petitioners Shehzad Mughal, Irfan Khoso, and others, Wajid Sheikh, argued that the table report submitted before the court had allegedly been prepared contrary to the actual situation on the ground and failed to clarify several important aspects of the matter.
Wajid Sheikh informed the court that there are a total of 1,024 Labour Flats in Sukkur, of which the allotment of 581 flats was allegedly suspicious, while complete verification of these allotments had reportedly not yet been carried out.
The counsel said that the basic purpose of the Labour Flats was to provide housing facilities to the working class. However, he alleged that instead of being allotted to deserving workers, several flats were allegedly sold or transferred in exchange for money.
The petitioners’ counsel further alleged that former secretaries, directors, deputy directors, and other relevant officials of the Labour Department may have been involved in alleged irregularities concerning the allotment and management of the Labour Flats.
According to the counsel, there are allegations of financial irregularities or corruption involving more than Rs2 billion, and a comprehensive investigation is required to determine the facts and identify those responsible.
During the hearing, the petitioners also maintained that the allotment records, verification of beneficiaries, alleged occupations, and other matters concerning the Labour Flats needed to be examined transparently. They argued that such an investigation was necessary to determine whether the flats had actually been allotted to deserving workers.
Meanwhile, the Regional Director of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) also submitted comments related to the case, which the court made part of the record.
After receiving the report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner Sukkur and hearing the preliminary arguments of the parties, the court adjourned further proceedings until September 24.
Further developments are expected at the next hearing regarding the petitioners’ objections to the report, the allegedly suspicious allotments of Labour Flats, and other related matters.
It is important to note that the allegations of corruption and irregularities raised by the petitioners remain allegations at this stage and have not been finally established. Their authenticity and responsibility can only be determined through the court proceedings or relevant investigations.
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