Project Approved Through Package Splitting
The Multan Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has approved a nine-kilometer road development project worth Rs2.8 billion by dividing it into eight separate packages, a move that allegedly allowed the project to bypass mandatory approval from the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP), Dawn has learnt.
The project, titled “Multan Avenue,” stretches from Sayyadanwala Chowk to Sahu Chowk and is expected to be completed within a period of four months, according to officials of the divisional administration.
Concerns Over Financial and Administrative Violations
Sources have raised serious concerns regarding the approval methodology, stating that it violates established financial and administrative regulations.
Under the Punjab Delegation of Financial Powers Rules 2016, the DDWP—chaired by the divisional commissioner—is authorized to approve development schemes costing up to Rs400 million only. Any project exceeding this limit must be referred to the PDWP for approval.
Alleged Breach of Punjab Financial Rules
Sources revealed that the Rs2.8 billion project was deliberately split into eight segments, each kept just below the Rs400 million ceiling. This practice directly contradicts Rule 8(3) of the Punjab Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, which clearly states that:
A project or work shall not be split to bring its components within the financial powers of a lower authority.
Avoidance of Provincial Scrutiny
By dividing the project and avoiding PDWP approval, the divisional forum allegedly evaded critical policy review, technical evaluation, and financial scrutiny that is mandatory for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Such practices, sources added, have previously been highlighted by the Auditor General of Pakistan as serios violations of financial discipline and governance standards.
Transparency and Technical Integrity Questioned
While the divisional administration claims the urgency of fast-tracking the project, experts argue that bypassing the PDWP raises legitimate concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and technical integrity of public expenditure.
Officials Decline to Comment
When contacted, Superintendent Engineer (Highway Department) Ghulam Nabi, a member of the DDWP, declined to comment and advised contacting Executive Engineer Haidar Ali, who was unavailable despite repeated attempts.
Similarly, Divisional Project Director and DDWP Secretary Mubashir Rehman refused to comment, stating that only Commissioner Amir Karim Khan, who heads the DDWP, could clarify the matter.
Commissioner Responds with Project Details
Instead of responding to the queries, Commissioner Amir Karim Khan shared project details, stating that the scheme is part of the Annual Development Program (ADP). He added that the project has been under execution since November and is expected to be completed by end of March 2026.