Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed an investigation into alleged violations in the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) maintenance dredging contract.
The cabinet division has formed a four-member committee to probe the matter, including the Chairman of the PM’s Inspection Commission, the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, the Managing Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), and a representative from the Intelligence Bureau Division.
The committee will focus on reviewing deviations, omissions, or violations in the tendering process and evaluating the reasons for qualifying or disqualifying bidders. It will also identify responsible parties and recommend measures to safeguard public interest.
KPT had invited bids for the removal of approximately 4 million cubic meters of material to ensure safe navigation for ships before the monsoon. Of the four international bidders, only one met the requirements, while others offered either oversized or non-compliant equipment.
The KPT bid evaluation committee rejected several proposals, including one from a Chinese firm, due to non-compliance and recommended a Dutch company with suitable and proven equipment.
The KPT team highlighted that large dredgers are essential for handling specific soil conditions, as only 20-25% of a dredger’s capacity is utilized for material removal based on engineering standards.
However, concerns have been raised over the evaluation process, with PPRA previously criticizing the lack of transparency. While KPT later released the technical report in December 2024, sources warn that awarding the contract to a non-compliant bidder could jeopardize project timelines and compromise vessel navigation during the monsoon season.
