Karachi: A Chinese company has accused Ghulam Mohiuddin Mughal, Director of the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project, of demanding exorbitant bribes, including money and a luxury property, to approve a contract.
Journalist Imtiaz Chandio shared a letter dated December 30, 2024, allegedly sent to the Karachi branch of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by a joint venture of two foreign companies: China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Hubai Shuizong Water Resources and Hydropower Construction Co. Ltd. (HBSZ-JV).
The companies claim that despite winning the contract for the restoration and upgradation of the Sukkur Barrage through a transparent bidding process, Ghulam Mohiuddin made unjustified demands. The letter alleges that he initially asked for a monetary “commission” and later escalated his demands by sending a picture of Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, requesting a 3,600 sq. ft. apartment in the building to be registered in his name.
The project director allegedly exerted continuous pressure on the joint venture to comply with his demands, despite their insistence on adhering to the agreed terms of the contract.
In their letter, the Chinese firms urged Pakistani authorities to investigate the allegations and take immediate action against the official. They cautioned that failure to address the issue could force them to suspend work on the project, potentially impacting Pakistan’s infrastructure development.
The accusations have raised concerns about Pakistan’s ability to attract foreign investment. As the country struggles with economic challenges, incidents like these could undermine its efforts to rebuild trust with international investors and jeopardize ongoing development projects.
The National Accountability Bureau has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
