Afridi urges public to report corruption with evidence
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday reiterated his government’s “zero-tolerance” policy against corruption, saying indiscriminate action was being taken across the province and no individual would be granted protection or concessions in this regard.
He said the provincial government was fully aware of entrenched corruption channels within the system and was taking “decisive and effective” measures to eliminate them.
The chief minister disclosed that inquiries were underway against 49 officers, while 19 individuals had been suspended and 17 officials dismissed from service.
He added that action against another 47 individuals was in progress and that more than 150 corruption cases were currently at different stages of investigation and proceedings.
Mr Afridi said the posting and transfer system in the past had been subjected to unnecessary interference and manipulation, but the present government had made the entire process transparent.
“All postings and transfers are now being carried out under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat,” he said, adding that even officers being appointed were not informed in advance about their places of posting in order to eliminate pressure, political influence, recommendations and personal interests.
The chief minister alleged that certain elements had launched “black channels” to create a negative narrative against the government, while some people had been offered financial incentives to promote anti-government propaganda.
Expressing concern over what he described as unsubstantiated allegations, he said corruption accusations were being made daily but no credible evidence was being presented to support the claims.
Referring to an IMF report, Mr Afridi claimed that corruption amounting to Rs5,300 billion had been identified, but no action was taken on that front in the past, whereas the current provincial government was ensuring transparency and accountability at every level.
He said no one would be above the law, whether an MPA, MNA, senator, bureaucrat or relative of an influential personality, adding that strict action would also be taken against those attempting to exert pressure on the bureaucracy.
The chief minister urged citizens to submit authentic and verifiable evidence of corruption to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat so that immediate action could be initiated.
He also announced that the government would bear the travel expenses of people coming from remote areas to report corruption cases and reward individuals providing authentic evidence.
Mr Afridi said the government, in line with the vision of Imran Khan, would continue implementing its anti-corruption policy “in letter and spirit” to ensure transparency, merit and the rule of law.
