KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and law enforcement agencies have requested the Sindh Government to stop the Managing Director, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Misbahuddin Fareed from going abroad.
NAB has stated that he is under investigation on charges of corruption in development works, KWSB’s land encroachment and abusing official powers.
As per NAB allegations, he was also involved in the operation of illegal hydrants and allotment of commercial and industrial water connections.
The Secretary Services, Sindh Government has already rejected the ex-Pakistan leave application of Misbahuddin Fareed as he was going on a month’s leave to Canada to meet his family.
Misbahuddin Fareed , in violation of KWSB’s Act 1996 and 19 by-laws, was enjoying powers of Central Public Works Accounts, Purchase of Store Regulation 1978, Sindh Local Government (Accounts) Rules 1983, Employees Appointment, Promotion and Transfer Rules 1978, Efficiency and Discipline and General Conditions of Services Rules 1987, Sindh Financial Rules Vol I and II and Service Fund Rules.
In addition, he was also misusing his official powers for allotment of KWSB’s plots and vehicles to officials, medical bills, ex-Pakistan permission for leave and related issues of the department.
Misbahuddin Fareed is also facing investigation for his alleged involvement in the processing of water connections and of tenders for other development works.
He has not even convened the meetings of KWSB’s governing body the last six years since the last meeting was held during the tenure of former Chairman of Board, Agha Siraj Durrani in the year 2011.
Misbah has also misused his authority in the verification of land titles as well as in administrative matters involving financial implications by Accountant/Divisional Accountant (cases of Divisional Office level) Circle Accountant/AAO (cases of Circle Office level) and IAO/ADA (cases of Directorate/DMD/MD/Chairman level). He is only entitled to exercise special powers in emergencies up to three percent of DMD TS’s power, but in violation of rules, the MD has been fully exercising these powers in absence of appropriate officials in the office to deal with commercial and industrial water connections.
He was using his official powers in all the corrupt practices being done by him alleged NAB officials.
One-window water connections scheme which was introduced during former MD, Ghulam Arif has been abolished and illegal practices for new water connections are being opted in the department.
There is no reference available in the office about works, law/rules, sanction 124(V) of SLG(AO-1983), administrative approval of works/repair/maintenance, DMD (Technical Services), technical sanction for original works of repair, maintenance and acceptance of tenders upon the recommendation of Tender Committee and DMD TS, informed NAB offical.
