Baseless allegations
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati categorically denied recent allegations leveled against him, stating that the Internal Accountability Committee of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has fully exonerated him.
He criticized senior party member Azam Swati for making baseless accusations through the media, which he said harmed his personal reputation and violated party discipline.
During a media briefing Babar Saleem Swati called for the issuance of a show-cause notice against Azam Swati, asserting that the accusations damaged not only individuals but the party’s structure as a whole.
Swati emphasized that he refrained from public comment during the inquiry to respect party discipline. Now that the investigation has concluded and cleared him of all charges, he said it was important to present the facts to the public.
Reflecting on his tenure, Speaker Swati expressed satisfaction with his one-year performance.
He highlighted the historic approval of the Assembly Secretariat Act after 51 years, which he said increased institutional transparency and curtailed the powers of the Speaker. He noted that the Act was developed over six months in consultation with assembly members and relevant national bodies.
Addressing specific allegations of corruption, illegal recruitment, and misuse of funds in Mansehra, the Speaker confirmed that investigations found no evidence.
He also refuted claims about excessive monthly expenditures and an unnecessary visit to Australia, clarifying that the trip was part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s ongoing activities.
Swati also mentioned the Kohistan corruption case, stating that NAB has recovered Rs26 billion and that a decade-long forensic audit by the Auditor General will likely uncover more details.
Special Secretary Syed Waqar Shah, who accompanied the Speaker, briefed the media on key administrative reforms. He stated that, under Speaker Swati’s leadership, the Assembly Secretariat implemented a structured service policy for the first time in over five decades.
