Karachi: The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) and other parties in response to concerns raised by contractors regarding transparency in the awarding of road contracts. The news was reported by a news agency on October 11.
As per details, the court’s action comes after it was revealed that 41 schemes for road restoration, approved in August 2023 due to heavy rainfall damage, did not undergo the required public notice process. Instead, contracts were allegedly awarded directly to preferred companies.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the absence of public notices compromised fair competition. The court inquired about how the petitioner obtained the relevant government documents, indicating the potential for legal implications. The lawyer assured the court that he would clarify this matter with the petitioner.
The court has mandated that KMC and other involved parties respond within ten days. Additionally, the court has requested a detailed report on the developmental projects undertaken by KMC.
In a related matter, a division bench comprising Justices Salahuddin Panhwar and Amjad Ali Sahito has prohibited parking on Shaarah Iraq. This decision was made following complaints from lawyers, including Barrister Ata Hussain and Advocate Munir Ahmed Malik, who cited difficulties accessing the Sindh High Court due to rampant encroachment by parking mafias along the road.
Justice Salahuddin emphasised that no VIP vehicles should be parked in front of the High Court, highlighting the need for clear access to judicial facilities. Notices have also been issued to the DIG Traffic, SSP Traffic, and the KMC regarding the enforcement of this parking ban.
