Ex-MNA seeks probe into 'embezzlement' of funds

CHITRAL, June 8:  Former member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Chitral and Jamaat-i- Islami leader Maulana Abdul Akbar here on Saturday demanded an investigation into alleged embezzlement of developmental funds from 2008 to 2012 in Chitral. Addressing a press conference, he called upon chief minister KPK Parvez Khattak and senior minister Sirajul Haq for constituting an inquiry team to ascertain where and how the funds were spent in Chitral. He alleged that Rs270 million were released for the construction of the Booni-Shagram road, Rs290 million for Booni-Shandur road, Rs130 million for Khot-Torkhow road. These funds were shown spent on the projects only in paper but there is no work done on the ground, he added. He said work had been suspended on Booni truckable bridge just after it was started. He said that a huge amount had been embezzled in these projects. The JI leader also said the inquiry must be conducted about assets of both the MPAs from upper and lower Chitral. The two MPAs from 2008 to 2013 were re-elected in the May 11 elections. He also alleged malpractices in the award of contract of the wheat supply project. To a question, Maulana Chitrali said he will start a peaceful agitation against the government if the corrupt practices were not checked and the former MPAs were not put to accountability who, he alleged, had made massive property and bank balance during their tenure. Maulana Chitrali also demanded reinstatement of 102 border police personnel who were sacked a few months back and in their places, according to him, new appointments were made after taking millions of bribe.  ]]>