Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday said the provincial government had intensified its accountability drive under a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, with inquiries and disciplinary actions continuing against officials involved in malpractice.
In a statement issued to the media, the CM said investigations were currently underway against 49 officers and officials on charges related to corruption and misuse of authority.
He said 19 officials had been suspended while 17 others had been removed from service after evidence of corruption surfaced. He added that proceedings against another 47 individuals were also in progress. Afridi said over 150 corruption-related cases were presently under different stages of inquiry and departmental action, adding that the government was committed to eliminating corruption from the administrative structure.
The CM said the provincial government had introduced a transparent mechanism for postings and transfers under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to curb political interference and favoritism.
He maintained that officers were now being appointed through a confidential and merit-based process to ensure transparency and administrative efficiency. Referring to criticism against the government, he alleged that certain groups were attempting to spread a negative narrative through unofficial channels and unsubstantiated allegations.
He said no individual, regardless of political position or influence, would be exempt from accountability, adding that elected representatives, bureaucrats and relatives of influential figures would all be treated equally under the law.
The chief minister warned that strict action would also be taken against anyone attempting to pressure government officials or obstruct the accountability process. He urged citizens to report corruption cases with credible evidence and said the Chief Minister’s Secretariat remained open to receiving public complaints. He added that the government would facilitate complainants from remote areas and was also considering incentives for those providing verified evidence of corruption.