$12.5 Million Fake Invoice Allegations Hit Sindh Solar Energy Project
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The Sindh Solar Energy project has come under scrutiny after a parliamentary committee was told that massive misappropriations and financial irregularities had allegedly been identified in the foreign funded scheme, including fake invoices amounting to $12.5 million. The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, raised serious concerns over alleged corruption in Sindh’s donor funded projects and called for strict action, transparency and stronger monitoring of foreign-funded development schemes.During the meeting, the committee reviewed matters relating to Sindh’s foreign funded projects and the implementation of earlier recommendations. It was recalled that senior officers from the Government of Sindh had already been directed to attend the meeting. The Economic Affairs Division informed the committee that letters had been issued to the concerned authorities but responses were still awaited.The most serious concern was linked to the Sindh Solar Energy project. The committee observed that the Secretary Energy Department, Government of Sindh, had earlier acknowledged before the committee that massive misappropriations and financial irregularities had been identified in the project. According to the proceedings, fake invoices worth $12.5 million were allegedly involved.Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro observed that the Chairman Planning and Development Department, Government of Sindh, would be answerable before the nation for failing to control such large-scale alleged corruption in Sindh’s foreign-funded projects. He directed the Economic Affairs Division to formally write to the Chief Secretary Sindh to ensure the presence of the Chairman of the Planning and Development Department in future meetings.The committee said the Chairman of the Planning and Development Department must brief lawmakers on Sindh’s foreign funded projects and explain how such alleged irregularities were allowed to occur in donor supported development schemes. The committee’s remarks reflected concern that weak monitoring and poor accountability may be damaging public trust and putting international development funds at risk.The committee also recommended that the matter be brought to the notice of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs for strict action against officials allegedly involved in corruption in foreign funded projects. Members stressed that donor funds are meant for public welfare and development, not for misuse through corrupt practices.Senator Saifullah Abro remarked that funds provided by international donors are intended for the development and welfare of the country and should not be misused. The committee emphasized the need for effective checks and balances, transparency and accountability mechanisms in foreign funded projects.The committee reiterated its earlier recommendation that the Economic Affairs Division establish a dedicated monitoring desk to evaluate tendering processes, reduce the risk of irregularities and ensure proper follow up of projects executed with donor agencies. The proposed monitoring mechanism is aimed at preventing corruption, improving oversight and protecting foreign-funded development projects from financial abuse.
