PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali has praised the swift and effective action taken by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in arresting a senior audit officer of the finance department red-handed while accepting allegedly bribe during an internal audit in the health department. In a statement, the Health Advisor emphasized that the fight against corruption within the department will continue with full force. He confirmed that the arrested officer, who was temporarily assigned from another department for audit duties, will be immediately repatriated and dealt with through appropriate departmental action. Ali noted that the information leading to the arrest came from within the Health Department, demonstrating that honest individuals were actively working against corruption. He expressed hope that the ACE would soon uncover the wider network associated with the arrested officer. “There is no place for corrupt individuals in the health department — whether they are officers or civil servants,” he stated. “We are determined to root out every such element and hold them accountable.”
The Health Advisor announced that the department will conduct its own internal inquiry into the incident and pursue strict disciplinary action against any other individuals found involved. If required, he added, the matter will also be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
To ensure greater transparency, he said that orders have already been issued for the installation of surveillance cameras in health offices.
Additionally, he called on the Anti-Corruption Department to conduct routine visits to government offices at least once a week to deter illegal activities.
CM-KP aide on health reiterated that public funds are a sacred trust, and audits of health centers will be conducted regularly. He added that ensuring transparent use of taxpayer money has always been a top priority of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership.
