Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government and Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi has announced the formation of high-powered inquiry committees across the province to investigate allegations of corruption, financial irregularities, and administrative misconduct in development projects and public sector departments.
Speaking during an interview in Shangla, the minister said the provincial government was committed to ensuring transparency and accountability and would take strict action against anyone found involved in the misuse of public funds or abuse of authority.
Citizens Encouraged to Submit Complaints
The proposed committees will examine complaints relating to development schemes, local government affairs, and other public sector activities. Afridi said citizens, journalists, and civil society activists possessing evidence of corruption, substandard construction, embezzlement, or misuse of development funds would be encouraged to submit written complaints to the relevant authorities.
“Merit, transparency, and accountability remain the cornerstones of this government’s governance agenda. No individual will be above the law, regardless of position or influence,” he said.
Transparency Measures
According to the minister, complaints received by his office will be formally registered and assigned diary numbers to ensure transparency and proper monitoring. Fact-finding inquiries will be launched promptly, while findings will be shared with both the public and the media.
Afridi stressed that citizens had a legal right to obtain information regarding development projects and public expenditure. He advised anyone denied access to official records to approach the relevant Right to Information Commission, adding that the government would ensure compliance with transparency laws.
Impartial Investigations Promised
Referring to departments under his direct supervision, including Local Government and Higher Education, the minister said allegations of corruption, negligence, or maladministration would be investigated impartially. “Wherever corruption or irregularities are identified, action will be taken without discrimination,” he said.
He added that complaints involving departments outside his portfolio would be referred to the Chief Minister and the relevant provincial ministers to facilitate independent investigations.
Reforms and Criticism of Digital Media
Highlighting the government’s accountability agenda, Afridi said the administration was pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, protecting public resources, and improving service delivery.
During the interview, the minister also criticised what he described as certain “paid digital media platforms”, alleging that some online channels were engaged in misinformation and character assassination rather than responsible journalism. He, however, praised professional journalists for playing a constructive role in society, saying responsible journalism helped bridge the gap between citizens and state institutions while promoting transparency and accountability.
The announcement comes amid growing public scrutiny of development spending and governance standards in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Observers say the effectiveness of the proposed inquiry committees will ultimately depend on their independence, transparency, and the government’s willingness to act on their findings.
