The provincial administration has sought records of development projects from the Communications and Works (C&W) Department, Irrigation Department, Public Health Engineering Department and other government departments.
The records will be examined to identify alleged irregularities, with legal action and the registration of cases expected against those found responsible after the investigations are completed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson and Adviser on Information Samar Haroon Bilour confirmed the development, telling this reporter that investigations had begun into alleged irregularities involving mining, the release of development funds, road construction and other major projects during Afridi’s tenure.
“Cases of corruption will be registered against them very soon,” she said. Sohail Afridi was taken into protective custody after governor’s rule was imposed on October 11. According to Bilour, he remains in protective custody and is being provided with proper care.
The provincial government said several major development projects initiated during Afridi’s tenure have been brought under investigation. These include the Revitalisation of Peshawar project, road construction in urban areas, city improvement projects, schemes run by the Agriculture Department and the distribution of mining contracts.
In the initial phase, the relevant departments have been directed to launch departmental inquiries. Once their findings are available, the cases will be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Department for further action against those allegedly involved in irregularities.
Who Is Sohail Afridi’s Associate Patang?
Abdul Hadi, also known as Patang, a close associate of former chief minister Sohail Afridi, has also come under the new provincial administration’s scrutiny.
Government spokesperson Samar Haroon Bilour said the federal government had been approached to contact Interpol for his arrest abroad and transfer to Pakistan.
“Efforts are being made to arrest him soon and bring him back to Pakistan,” she said.
Abdul Hadi belongs to Khyber tribal district and is described as a close relative of Sohail Afridi.
He is accused of allegedly receiving commissions directly in connection with appointments to senior government positions and the awarding of development project contracts during Afridi’s tenure.
Abdul Hadi reportedly left Pakistan before Sohail Afridi was removed from power. According to the latest available information, he was living in Dubai.
However, the allegations against him have yet to be independently verified.
