Sindh Ministry of Works and Services has been run by Sharjeel Memon from Dubi for the last three months, it is learnt. According to sources, Memon was given the portfolio of Works and Services on July 22, 2015. Memon left the country three months ago. He convenes all the department's meetings in Dubai. Sources added the department's employees have to travel to Dubai to attend meetings and travel and accommodation expenses are paid for by the department.
Sharjeel Memon who previously served as Sindh information minister, reportedly left the country following raids by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) at Works and Services offices. When contacted, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh Waqar Mehdi confirmed to Business Recorder that Sherjeel Memon has the portfolio of Works and Services but added that he has been a resident in Dubai for the last two months.
However, in a whatsapp message to this correspondent from Dubai, Memon said he would return home after Muharram, adding in his absence Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah is the in-charge of his ministry. "Chief Minister has the charge of the ministry...I'm on leave till Muharram," he added. Sources revealed that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Sindh is investigating Rs 5.875 billion alleged corruption scam against Sharjeel Memon and some senior officers/officials for approving the pre-qualification of advertisement agencies in violation of Sindh Public Procurement and Regulation Authority (SPPRA) rules 2010.
Another official of NAB stated that the Bureau has re-authorised an inquiry against officers/officials of Information and Archives Department, government of Sindh and others for the misuse of authority and embezzlement of funds from the advertisement budget causing a loss of Rs 5.875 billion to the national exchequer, covering the period when Sharjeel Memon was the Information Minister.
He said that in this case, the Executive Board Meeting (EBM) approved the Voluntary Return requests of Fawad Alam, Director M/s Value Added Marketing Services Pvt Limit Karachi for an amount of Rs 71.292 million and Abdul Qadir Shah, Chief Executive Officer, M/s Connect Marketing Communication Pvt Ltd, Karachi for an amount of Rs 74.4 million. The EBM also approved Voluntary Return request of Qasim Zia, Ex-MPA with interim liability of Rs 19.48 million.