Sindh minister sacked on corruption charges

The Sindh chief minister has sacked his revenue and political affairs minister in the provincial cabinet on charges of corruption and the misuse of power.

"Imtiaz [Ahmad] Shaikh and his brother Maqbool Shaikh are involved in billions of rupees land scams," Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim said in Karachi yesterday.

"I have set an example as a chief minister by sacking my own party member from the cabinet. There will be no compromise on principles. No one will be spared if he indulges in corruption," he said.

An official notification of Shaikh's dismissal was issued overnight with the seal of approval of Governor Ishratul Ebad. The notification said the revenue minister was sacked for his corruption, illegal allotments of land and other irregularities.

Misappropriation

Ghulam Rahim said that Shaikh along with his relatives doled away 3,000 to 4,000 acres of land worth Rs4 billion (Dh247 million) through illegal means. "He also misappropriated funds in Revenue Department, abused his powers while making transfers and postings in his ministry," the chief minister said.

Sources said following the dismissal orders, the land allotment records of the department were sealed and preparations were being made to lodge a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Establishment.

At least two officials of the department were arrested overnight, they said.