Jinnah Square Underpass Collapse Triggers PAC Probe and Demand for Audit
Underpass Built in 72 Days Faces Collapse, Sparks Parliamentary Review
Jinnah Square Underpass Collapse Triggers PAC Probe and Demand for Audit
Nadeem Tanoli
ISLAMABAD – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by MNA Junaid Akbar Khan, launched a review into the Jinnah Square Underpass, which reportedly collapsed just 72 days after completion. The incident raised concerns about construction quality and procedural compliance.
Committee members debated whether the project was rushed for political mileage. MNA Sanaullah Khan Masti Khel criticized the approach, while Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry defended the project, saying it followed international design standards and blamed the damage on SNGPL gas pipeline leakage. “If a project is delivered ahead of schedule, it deserves appreciation,” said Chaudhry.
PAC members, including Umar Ayub and Sheikh Waqas Akram, called for a third-party audit. Officials confirmed that the structure sustained zero percent damage and that PPRA rules were followed. The committee, however, referred the matter to a subcommittee for deeper examination.
