Karachi, Hyderabad Projects Restart With Reforms

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The federal government has approved the revival of major development projects in Karachi and Hyderabad, allocating new funding to ensure transparency and eliminate political interference in public works.

The Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) announced that 193 previously canceled schemes, originally tied to MNAs from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), will be relaunched. The projects, worth billions of rupees, were earlier suspended due to irregularities and a lack of competitive bidding.

PIDCL has confirmed two funding packages: Rs15 billion for Karachi and Rs5 billion for Hyderabad. These funds will support a wide range of urban development efforts, all to be executed under strict merit-based procedures. According to PIDCL, the new process prohibits commission cuts, kickbacks, or any political brokerage.

“Contracts will not be sold or manipulated. All payments will follow a transparent system, and projects will adhere to approved standards,” said Shafi Chachar, PIDCL General Manager.

To prevent unviable bids, contractors quoting more than 10% below the lowest rate may be required to cover excess costs themselves. Additionally, all awarded contracts must be backed by valid bank guarantees to prevent financial mismanagement.

In a move toward digitization and oversight, PIDCL will roll out an e-procurement system, replacing traditional tendering with a streamlined, paperless platform. Independent consultants will be appointed to monitor progress, quality, and adherence to timelines.

Previously, 410 schemes were proposed by MQM-P legislators. Of those, 193 were canceled due to the presence of single bidders or unhealthy competition. PIDCL now plans to reissue tenders for those projects in the coming weeks.

Chachar also addressed concerns about billing fraud, stating that PIDCL will coordinate with relevant authorities from the start of each project through completion. Project signboards will be installed at every construction site to ensure public transparency and accountability.

He added that development work has already begun and that residents of Karachi and Hyderabad will see visible improvements in infrastructure once the schemes are completed.

The initiative marks a notable shift toward “system-free” development, carried out without the influence of political agents or corrupt networks. PIDCL officials expressed hope that this approach would rebuild public trust and deliver long-overdue relief to urban communities in Sindh.