Multi-Crore Corruption Exposed in Gorakh Hills Development Authority by Auditor General of Pakistan

Auditor General of Pakistan have found corruption funds to crores in Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) auditing accounts of 2014-2022. Questionable accountability arises in terms of hiring that is contrary to law, tax evasion, overpricing of purchases among others as shown in the audit.

As per the audit report, GHDA has granted contracts of Rs 385 millions to four contractors belonging to a same family. The four contractors Mehwish Shoukat, Muhammad Ali Chauhan, Majid Ali Chauhan and Rashid Ali Chauhan have the same family address in Karachi (House No. 1, Jail Road, PIB Colony). The concern was brought up several times both in September 2023 and in April 2025, yet no answer was provided on the part of the authority.

The audit also found that the authority failed to deduct Rs 10 million in stamp duty and Rs 243 million in general sales tax, resulting in loss to the national exchequer. Procurement worth Rs 296 million made without conducting market surveys.

In terms of hiring, GHDA caused a loss of Rs 749 million through illegal appointments. In one case, 90 people hired against 75 approved posts. In another, 27 employees hired without advertisement. Temporary posts regularised without approval. An Assistant Executive Engineer (BPS-17) appointed without any job posting or advertisement.

Despite spending Rs 3.85 billion from 2014 to 2022, the Gorakh Hills tourism project has not been functional due to lack of basic infrastructure, roads, and security. Multiple resorts, guest houses, and shops built, but none have generated revenue. GHDA also owes more than Rs 30 million in unpaid electricity bills.