KARACHI: The Chairman of Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has directed the Director General of NAB Karachi to initiate an investigation into the Karachi BRT Yellow Line Project over alleged irregular advance payments amounting to Rs8.5 billion, according to NAB sources.
The accountability watchdog will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged advance payments made to contractors involved in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line project.
According to NAB sources, investigators will review whether the contractors carried out the agreed work after receiving the advance payments and assess the overall justification, procedures, and compliance associated with the disbursement of the funds.
The inquiry will focus on determining the extent of work completed, identifying any delays or shortcomings, and examining whether the advance payments were made in accordance with applicable rules and contractual obligations.
Officials said the investigation aims to establish whether any financial irregularities or misuse of public funds occurred during the execution of the project.
The development follows the recent arrest of Zameer Abbasi, the former Project Director of the Karachi BRT Yellow Line, in Lahore. He was taken into custody over allegations related to the advance payment of Rs8.5 billion to contractors.
NAB authorities have not yet released further details regarding the scope or timeline of the investigation. The inquiry is expected to include a review of financial records, project documentation, and contractual agreements as part of efforts to determine whether any laws or regulations were violated.
The Karachi BRT Yellow Line is one of the city’s major public transport infrastructure projects, and the investigation comes amid increased scrutiny of public sector development projects and government spending. Authorities say further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
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