BoK’s allegations against JI minister beyond its mandate: Khattak

Says allegations are ‘condemnable, unethical and unlawful’, orders inquiry; minister accused of misusing power, making illegal appointments; Muzaffar Sayed

rejects allegations; JI seeks removal of MD

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Saturday said the publication of an advertisement in newspapers by the Bank of Khyber (BoK) accusing the provincial finance minister of misusing his powers and making illegal appointments was beyond the mandate of the bank management.

Finance Minister Muzaffar Sayed is from the Jamaat-e-Islami, which is a coalition partner of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the KP Assembly.

Muzaffar was given the ministry’s charge after Siraj-ul-Haq left this post to become senator.

In a statement, Khattak said the allegations issued by the BoK management against the finance minister were condemnable, unethical and unlawful.

He said the government’s resources were used to frame allegations, which were meant for the character assassination of the finance minister.

Khattak said: “The finance minister stands upright and constantly contributed to the decision-making process to reform and strengthen institutions and public welfare at large.”

“We have confidence in him (the minister) and his performance that is reflected in the cabinet decision-making process.” 

The provincial cabinet, including the finance minister, are striving to achieve the targets in different areas set by the provincial government,” he added.

Khattak said the provincial government had an understanding among all the allies of the provincial government and their agenda was to get the rights for the province and restore good governance.

The advertisement accused the minister of arranging functions/gatherings at the bank’s cost, using the bank’s resources for gaining political aims, interference in the independence of the board and other corporate matters, elevation of officers to senior positions due to the affiliation with a political party, and hiring people through the back door in connivance with his favorites in the bank.

The advertisement said the bank was not under the supervision of the KP Finance Ministry and rules prohibit any interference by the government since the government’s interests are being looked after by its directors of the bank’s board.

“The recent activities of the finance minister to malign the bank are due to his resentment over the refusal of the management to induct his political nominees in the bank in violation of merit and procedure,” it said.

The advertisement further stated: “Apart from the finance minister, his private secretary Mr. Khalil-ur-Rehman directly interferes in the bank’s affairs by pressuring management with illegal recruitments through back door postings and transfers. By using his position as private secretary to the finance minister he has been profiting from inductions in class four appointments.”

Mushtaq Ghani said the management of the Bank of Khyber now must come up with evidence in favor of its allegations against the provincial minister, adding “Now it is up to the Bank of Khyber to come forward and present proof of its claims during the inquiry process.”

Muzaffar Sayed rejected the allegations stating that he had not used the bank for political benefits.

He said: “If appointments are not made on merit then the authorities should launch an inquiry against me to prove me guilty. No one has the right to level allegations without any evidence.”

Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded the removal of the bank’s managing director.