The Balochistan Anti-Corruption Establishment has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities worth more than Rs1 billion in two auctions held by the provincial Irrigation Department in 2024.

The auctions, held in February and October, involved more than 70 vehicles and pieces of heavy machinery, including Land Cruisers, double-cabin pickups, trucks, tankers, dumpers, dozers, tractors and excavators.

Documents reviewed during the inquiry indicate that several valuable government assets were allegedly sold at significantly below-market prices.

A 2000-model Land Cruiser was reportedly auctioned for Rs350,000, while double-cabin vehicles were sold for Rs300,000 to Rs400,000. Some Toyota Hilux double-cabins fetched as little as Rs250,000.

Pajero jeeps were sold for between Rs165,000 and Rs200,000, while dozers fetched Rs500,000 to Rs900,000. Tractors were reportedly sold for Rs150,000 to Rs200,000 according to the documents.

Mazda trucks were auctioned for between Rs600,000 and Rs800,000. An excavator reportedly worth millions of rupees was sold for just Rs1.1 million.

One of the most serious allegations concerns a truck carrying generators and other valuable equipment. The entire vehicle and its contents were reportedly sold for Rs1 million.

The auction process has also raised questions over the classification of vehicles and machinery as obsolete or scrap.

The department’s chief engineer had reportedly opposed the auction of vehicles that were still in use, but they were subsequently declared unserviceable and put up for sale.

Allegations have also been made that the auctions favoured certain contractors.

According to the allegations under investigation, selected contractors participated in the bidding and acquired valuable government assets at unusually low prices.

Questions have also been raised over the department’s administrative procedures. Investigators are examining allegations that a lower-ranking employee was given charge of multiple positions, including inspector and examiner.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment has obtained records of both auctions and is examining the vehicles and machinery sold, their assessed values, auction prices and the procedure followed.

Director General Anti-Corruption Balochistan Naseebullah Kakar has initiated the investigation. Officials said the record review was underway and legal action would be taken against those found responsible following the inquiry.

The allegations have not yet been independently established, and the investigation will determine whether any financial loss or procedural violations occurred.