Leaders of the Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla (Accountability Movement Shangla) have renewed their demand for transparent, independent, and impartial investigations into all development projects, alleged corruption, irregularities, and incomplete schemes carried out across the district since 2005. They urged authorities to ensure justice and accountability for the people of Shangla.
Press Conference at Shangla Press Club
The demand was made during a news conference held at the Shangla Press Club on Monday. Movement leaders present included Niaz Khan, Muhammad Abbas Khan, Muhammad Shehzad Khan, Fazal Mabood, Ijaz Ahmad Khan, Ghaffar Khan, and Akmal Shah, along with other representatives.
Charter of Demands Presented
The leaders presented a detailed Charter of Demands highlighting public issues, developmental deprivation, and administrative reforms required in the district. Addressing journalists, the speakers stated that since the devastating 2005 earthquake, billions of rupees in development funds, reconstruction packages, and rehabilitation projects had been approved for Shangla. However, they claimed that the ground realities presented an entirely different picture.
According to the movement leaders, no major visible development project can be seen in the district despite the allocation of massive funds over the years. They alleged that several schemes remain incomplete, delayed, or exist only in official records without practical implementation.
Demand for Comprehensive Audit
The leaders demanded that accountability institutions conduct a comprehensive audit and investigation into development projects, construction works, and utilization of public funds in Shangla, following the pattern of inquiries carried out in other districts. They stressed that the people have the right to know where and how resources allocated in the name of natural disaster rehabilitation and development were spent.
They alleged that funds released for various development schemes were reportedly confined to certain influential circles instead of being utilized for completion of projects, resulting in continued deprivation of the district from basic facilities and infrastructure.
Scrutiny of Development Institutions
The movement demanded that records of all federal and provincial development institutions operating in Shangla, including Pak-PWD, PMAs, Local Government Department, Communication and Works Department, Public Health Engineering Department, and other relevant agencies, should be brought before the public for scrutiny. They also called for detailed examination of tenders, payments, and project progress reports.
Charter of Demands Details
The Charter of Demands presented by Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla included several public welfare and development-related demands. The movement called for transparent investigations into all development activities, alleged corruption, and incomplete projects executed in the district after 2005. It also demanded inquiries into the alleged use of substandard material in construction and development projects and sought strict action against those found responsible.
Among other major demands, the Charter called for activation of the Shangla Development Authority, establishment of a labour colony for coal mine workers, and provision of educational facilities and schools for their children.
Warning of Protests
At the conclusion of the news conference, the leaders of Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla warned that if independent investigations into development projects and government departments were not initiated and public demands remained ignored, the movement would be compelled to announce its future course of action after public consultation, including protests, long marches, sit-ins, and other constitutional and democratic measures.
