KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched a formal investigation into allegations of corruption worth crores of rupees in the Hala Division of the Sindh Irrigation Department, reportedly involving senior government officials and misuse of public funds.
According to NAB sources, the inquiry targets several department officials, including Executive Engineer Tariq Kehar and Assistant Engineer San Dino Memon, who are accused of embezzling millions of rupees from funds allocated for irrigation and canal development projects in Matiari district.
Funds Misused Under Canal Works
Preliminary NAB findings suggest that large sums of money were misappropriated under the guise of canal and watercourse repair contracts. Despite the issuance of funds, no physical progress was recorded on several projects, indicating the use of fake billing and documentation to divert government funds.
The bureau has also directed the Irrigation Department to submit complete records of all budget allocations, expenditures, and project approvals linked to the suspected schemes. NAB investigators are currently reviewing tender documents, contractor lists, and audit reports to establish the scale of financial irregularities.
Separate Assets Investigation
In addition to the corruption inquiry, Executive Engineer Tariq Kehar is also under investigation for assets beyond known sources of income. NAB officials confirmed that his property holdings, bank accounts, and other financial records are being scrutinized to determine the extent of potential illegal wealth accumulation.
Sources indicate that the probe may expand further if additional evidence surfaces, with more officials expected to be summoned for questioning.
The investigation reflects NAB’s ongoing crackdown on corruption and misuse of development funds in Sindh’s public works and irrigation departments — sectors that have frequently faced allegations of financial misconduct and lack of transparency.
