Gulistan Sarmast Housing Scheme: PAC Sindh orders probe into irregularities

KARACHI: The Public Accounts Committee, Sindh, has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities worth billions of rupees in Gulistan Sarmast Housing Scheme. Afshan, Additional Secretary of the Local Government, has been appointed as the Investigation Officer.

In the meeting held here on Wednesday, which was presided over PAC Chairman Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, noted that for 16 years, no physical possession given to any allottee, non-availability of electricity, gas and water, and no infrastructure. Rs 8.5 billion have been received as plots cost and development charges from more than 32,000 allottees of the 2,000-acre GSH Scheme launched by Hyderabad Development Authority in 2009.

The HAD claimed to have completed 5 sectors of the scheme and spent Rs 4 billion out of Rs 8.5 billion on development works.

PAC has sought details of expenses incurred on the Gulistan Sarmast Housing Scheme, bank statements, and development works. The audit reports of the HDA were reviewed in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by committee member Qasim Siraj Soomro, Additional Secretary of the Local Government Department Afshan, Additional Secretary of the Hyderabad Development Authority Nadeem Khan and other officers.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025