Member provincial assembly (MPA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the Kohistan district, Engineer Sajjadullah Khan Baqi, has claimed that politicians’ names are likely to emerge in the Kohistan financial scandal.
He stated that while the financial scandal in Upper Kohistan is primarily an institutional failure, the names of certain political figures are also beginning to emerge.
Speaking exclusively at Pakhtun Digital Podcast in Peshawar, Engineer Sajjadullah revealed that funds from an account used by four major departments—Local Government, Irrigation, Public Health, and Communication & Works (C&W)—are at the centre of the controversy. Security deposits taken from contractors working with these departments across the province were collected in a single account, which has reportedly been misused.
He explained that large sums were transferred to multiple accounts and later withdrawn—allegedly taking advantage of a lack of awareness among the local population. Sajjadullah further claimed that he received a 10% share from the funds transferred to an account under the name of a dump truck driver, with the remaining funds distributed among other individuals.
While emphasising that the scandal is largely institutional, Sajjadullah warned that the involvement of political figures is gradually becoming evident. “It is deeply regrettable for both the institutions and political leadership that public funds have been misappropriated in such a manner,” he said.
He added that when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman stated that the scandal involved more than Rs2 billion, not Rs40 billion as initially rumoured, it became clear how extensive the damage might be if similar practices occurred in other districts. “The silence of institutions and political actors in the face of such corruption is itself a crime,” he remarked.
In response to a question, the MPA noted that although political involvement appears to be limited, the bulk of the corruption was carried out by officials within government institutions. “Everyone knows who was in power during different periods and how the funds were siphoned off,” he said.
Sajjadullah also disclosed that the current investigation covers only the last six years, but the scope of the scandal may span 15 to 20 years. “The NAB inquiry is proceeding meticulously, and surprising recoveries are being made from various areas including Chakisar, Bisham, Kohistan, and Abbottabad,” he said, noting that vehicles and other assets have been recovered as part of the probe.
He explained that early reports on recoveries did not receive widespread attention because the country was dealing with a state of war. However, he assured that more information, including videos and detailed updates, will soon come to light.
Sajjadullah also pointed out that the account from which funds were withdrawn falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. The Accountant General’s office is responsible for maintaining the accounts and producing monthly reports. “Therefore, officials from the Ministry of Finance, the AG office, the District Accounts Officer, and even the National Bank cannot be absolved. They are all equally accountable for this massive financial crime,” he asserted.
He concluded by praising the ongoing work of the PAC, expressing hope that positive developments and further disclosures will emerge soon.
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