KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) expressed deep resentment over massive financial irregularities in provincial departments, remarking that while billions are being plundered, there seems to be a total lack of accountability. The observations came during a hearing by the Constitutional Bench of the SHC regarding a petition challenging the formation of the Governing Body of the Workers Welfare Board under the Labor Department.
During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that an inquiry is currently underway into the alleged embezzlement of Rs. 8 billion related to employee insurance funds. Justice Adnan Karim Memon reacted strongly to the figure, noting the irony in the national narrative. “This is a massive amount; we are constantly told that Pakistan is a poor country, yet such looting persists,” he remarked.
Counsel for the petitioner, Nisar Warsi, argued that the Workers Welfare Board is meant to include four genuine labor representatives. However, he claimed that instead of actual workers, bank and agricultural employees were appointed to these positions, undermining the board’s purpose.
The bench further lamented that while the government claims to be enforcing “austerity measures,” billions are being swallowed up without concern. The court also touched upon the recent changes in judicial working days, observing that while corruption is rampant, the days for seeking justice are being reduced, referring to the closure of courts on Fridays. “Where people are supposed to get justice, even there, one day has been reduced,” the court noted.
The SHC has sought a progress report on the inquiry initiated by the Sukkur Bench regarding the alleged corruption and has adjourned the hearing after the government counsel requested more time to file a formal reply.
