Summary:
The Sindh High Court has issued a stern warning, directing the Chief Secretary Sindh to initiate disciplinary action against the KDA Director General and other officials for persistent non-compliance with orders regarding the payment of pensionary benefits to retired employees. The court emphasized that full payment must be made, rejecting a partial payment offer and summoning officials in person.
KDA Director General Faces Disciplinary Action Over Non-Compliance
The KDA Director General and other Karachi Development Authority officials are facing potential disciplinary action following a stark warning from the Sindh High Court (SHC). The court has directed the Chief Secretary Sindh to initiate proceedings due to the continued disregard of orders concerning the full payment of pensionary benefits to retired employees.
Retired KDA personnel had initially petitioned the SHC in 2024, seeking the release of their post-retirement dues. Subsequently, they filed contempt applications against the Director General and other officials, alleging deliberate defiance of court directives.
SHC Issues Directive to KDA Director General
A two-judge constitutional bench of the SHC, led by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, noted that “complete compliance has not been made.” The court highlighted its categorical directive from August last year, which mandated the payment of outstanding pensionary dues within two months, warning of contempt proceedings if not adhered to.
An interim compliance report submitted by the KDA cited a longstanding financial crisis as the reason for non-compliance. The report claimed that billions of rupees have already been disbursed to approximately 1,407 retired employees in line with earlier SHC orders.
KDA’s Financial Challenges and Court’s Firm Stance
The KDA’s finance and accounts department, in a letter dated January 13, suggested measures to alleviate the financial shortfall. These included enhancing monthly payments from the Sindh finance department and a proposed one-time grant of Rs3,000 million. The authority also indicated revised land transaction rates to generate further revenue. Despite these explanations, the court maintained its firm stance. According to SindhNews.com, the bench stated, “as full compliance has not yet been made effected… this court is constrained to direct the chief secretary Sindh to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the director general, KDA and other officials.”
The KDA counsel offered a payment of an additional 10 per cent within a week, attributing the delay to financial constraints. However, the bench declined the proposal, instructing the alleged contemnors to appear in person at the next hearing and demanding full compliance with its earlier orders for pensionary benefits.
The SHC’s stern directive underscores the judiciary’s resolve to ensure the rights of retired employees are upheld, signaling a potential shift in accountability for senior officials within the KDA.