Karachi (HRNW): Questions have been raised within the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) after an officer was reportedly assigned the additional charge of a key financial position without a formal order reinstating him.
According to a notification issued by the KMC Human Resources Management Department, Muhammad Sohail Ahmed (BPS-18), currently serving as Additional Director Internal Audit, has been authorized to perform the duties of Senior Director Finance and Accounts in addition to his existing responsibilities. The notification describes the arrangement as a “stop-gap arrangement” and states that it will remain effective until further orders.
The development has drawn attention because allegations of financial and administrative irregularities, as well as matters concerning government land, have reportedly been raised against the officer in the past. The KMC Employees Action Group claims that Muhammad Sohail’s name has appeared in several alleged cases and that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has also sought his service record.
According to sources and the Employees Action Group, allegations of irregularities have also surfaced in connection with land, auction and administrative matters involving various locations and facilities, including the bus terminal, Aladdin Park, Kidney Hill Park, Jheel Park, Umar Sharif Park, the slaughterhouse and the Baldia Town Cottage Industry.
However, the legal status and validity of these allegations have yet to be conclusively determined. Any responsibility or wrongdoing can only be established through investigations by the relevant authorities and due judicial process.
The report further states that former Municipal Commissioner Abrar Ahmed Jaffer had previously taken action, including measures related to Muhammad Sohail’s suspension. Following that background, the decision to assign him an important financial responsibility has reportedly caused concern among some KMC officers and employees.
The KMC Employees Action Group has written to NAB, requesting that the authority take notice of the matter, conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the officer’s appointment and the alleged irregularities, review his service record, and take action against those found responsible in accordance with the law.
Employee representatives have also questioned whether assigning an officer associated with internal audit simultaneous responsibility for Finance and Accounts could create a potential conflict of interest and raise concerns regarding transparency. They have called for appointments to key KMC positions and the assignment of additional charges to be made strictly in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and merit.
Karachi Special Report: The central question now is whether the relevant record and legal status of the officer were fully reviewed before assigning him responsibility for a key financial department, particularly if departmental or investigative proceedings had previously been considered against him. A response from KMC authorities and the relevant investigative agencies could provide further clarity on the matter.
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Disclaimer
This report has been prepared based on the information provided, source-based claims and statements attributed to the KMC Employees Action Group. The allegations mentioned in the report have not been independently verified. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. The position of the KMC authorities, the officer concerned, or relevant investigative agencies may be incorporated if formally provided.
