NAB Sukkur denies launching probe into barrage rehabilitation project

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued a formal clarification regarding media reports of an inquiry into the Sukkur and Guddu Barrage rehabilitation projects.

In a statement released on Thursday, the bureau denied the initiation of any formal investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds in these projects.

While acknowledging that a complaint had been received, NAB Sukkur clarified that it has not reached the stage of an inquiry or investigation. Following standard operating procedures (SOPs), the bureau has forwarded the complaint to the Accountability Facilitation Cell (AFC) at the Sindh chief secretary’s office for further necessary action.

NAB officials termed the media reports circulating on January 28 as “unequivocal” misinformation regarding the bureau’s current involvement.

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The NAB reaffirmed that the public would be kept informed of any future developments in line with the bureau’s transparency protocols and the prevailing law.

Local media earlier this week reported that the NAB has directed the Project Management Office (PMO) of the World Bank-funded Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) to submit comprehensive installation and financial records for Sukkur Barrage gates 44 to 59. The PMO has been summoned to produce these documents before NAB Sukkur by January 26.

The PMO was established within the Irrigation Department under the SBIP to execute and supervise the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Guddu and Sukkur barrages.