KP government begins probe into alleged corruption under Sohail Afridi

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government said it is collecting evidence over alleged corruption during the tenure of former chief minister Sohail Afridi. Samar Haroon Bilour, adviser on Information and Public Relations, spoke at a press conference at the Information Cell in the Civil Secretariat on Friday.

Bilour said Afridi remains in protective custody while evidence is gathered on allegations involving billions of rupees. According to Daily Pakistan, Afridi was taken into protective custody on October 11 after governor's rule was imposed, and the new administration has begun large-scale investigations into his 10-month tenure.

Records of development projects have been requested from the Communications and Works department, the Irrigation department, Public Health Engineering and other departments. Bilour confirmed that investigations have begun into alleged irregularities in mining, the release of development funds, road construction and other major projects.

Projects under review include the revitalisation of Peshawar, urban road construction, city improvement schemes, agriculture department projects and the allocation of mining contracts. Departments have been told to start departmental inquiries early, and findings will be sent to the National Accountability Bureau and the anti-corruption department. Bilour said, "Corruption cases will soon be registered against them."

Daily Pakistan also reported that Abdul Hadi, alias Patang, a close associate of Afridi, is under investigation. Bilour said the federal government has been contacted through Interpol to arrange his arrest abroad and transfer to Pakistan. He is reportedly from Khyber tribal district, is alleged to have taken commissions on senior postings and development contracts, and was last reported to be in Dubai. These allegations have not been independently verified.

On other matters, Bilour said investigations into the Dir Colony tragedy in Peshawar are complete and a detailed report will be shared with the media soon. Inspections identified 4,049 educational institutions needing repairs. Students from affected schools will be moved to nearby government schools, with class-wise adjustments and second shifts where needed. A subcommittee is examining whether departments and tehsil municipal administrations were negligent in building approvals, inspections and supervision.

Eight modern armoured vehicles have been handed to the provincial police, and a police infrastructure and operational capacity plan is to be prepared within five to six weeks. Bilour said the Sehat Card programme's internal irregularities are being examined but it will not be discontinued. He said no one was being granted concessions on political or personal recommendations. An anti-encroachment campaign in Peshawar is also clearing government land, green belts and drainage channels.

Bilour called Maulana Fazlur Rehman a senior politician whose recent statements appeared to reflect political frustration, and said the government would welcome his constructive suggestions.