By: Akhunzada Fazal Haq
MARDAN: In a major development to address alleged corruption, the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) has recommended the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against five contractors in Mardan district who are accused of misappropriating development funds in the constituency of Member National Assembly (MNA) Muhammad Atif Khan.
According to the documents obtained by this correspondent, the Tehsil Officer of TMA Mardan has formally sent letters to the Deputy Commissioner, seeking legal action against the contractors. The move follows complaints and evidence suggesting misuse of public funds allocated for various development projects.
In addition to the action against contractors, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against four suspended government officials involved in the same allegations. The action is being taken on the direct instructions of MNA Atif Khan, who has vowed zero tolerance for corruption.
MNA Atif Khan has also issued orders for the immediate commencement of delayed development work in the affected areas, emphasising the need for transparency and the timely execution of public welfare projects.
Authorities say further investigations are underway, and strict accountability will be ensured to restore public trust in the development process.
Read also: PTI Atif Khan demands swift action on TMA Mardan corruption allegations
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Peshawar Region President and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Muhammad Atif Khan has raised serious concerns over the lack of progress in the investigation of alleged corruption in development projects under the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Mardan.
In a written request to the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Atif Khan highlighted that despite filing a complaint a year ago regarding corruption in mosque solarization and other projects, no concrete action has been taken. He demanded immediate action against those involved, transparency in the investigation, and the recovery of funds from contractors who received advance payments but failed to complete the work.
The MNA warned that if the authorities fail to resolve the issue within a month, he will escalate the matter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and raise it at the national level. Following his complaint, an executive of TMA Mardan was reportedly suspended, signalling initial responsiveness to the allegations.
Atif Khan also called for an inquiry into substandard work in incomplete projects and urged the administration to either recover the misused funds or ensure the projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe. The delay in accountability has sparked frustration among locals, who await long-promised development initiatives.
