Kohistan: A significant development has emerged in the ongoing investigation into massive corruption in development funds allocated for Kohistan district. The Accountant General (AG) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formally recommended action against ten officials and staff members of the provincial finance department.
According to reports, the AG’s office has identified several suspicious individuals and dubious bank accounts involved in the alleged embezzlement. A letter has been sent to the Secretary of Finance recommending disciplinary action against the ten implicated officials.
The letter also points to the involvement of assistant and sub-accountants, while identifying 52 suspicious bank accounts. Additionally, the AG’s office has recommended the immediate suspension of the District Accounts Officer of Upper Kohistan.
According to the AG office, records of 1,293 cheques received by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) are missing. The office clarified that it only maintains records of genuine cheques and is not linked to fake ones. Sources suggest that the creation of fake cheques may involve the National Bank and the Communication and Works (C&W) Department.
The letter highlights a suspicious amount totaling Rs. 3.47 billion (3,473,719,155). However, sources claim that the total amount embezzled in Upper Kohistan could be as high as Rs. 29 billion.
This development follows revelations that funds meant for development projects in Kohistan were being transferred into private bank accounts. In response, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had ordered a formal investigation into the alleged corruption scandal.
