PHC upholds action against ex-education officials

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has upheld the action initiated by the Anti-Corruption Establishment Bannu against several former Education Department officials over allegations of irregularities and fake appointments.

The court dismissed petitions filed by the officials challenging the proceedings, ruling that the action was lawful and based on proper inquiry findings.A two-member bench, comprising Justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal and Justice Aurangzeb, heard separate writ petitions filed by former District Education Officer (DEO) Bannu Bakhtullah Shah, former Litigation Officer Barkat Ali, former DEO (Principal) Ikramullah Khan, former Section Officer Education Anwar Qureshi, former Female DEO Saeeda Anjum, former Female DEO Ms Fanoos Jamal, and Budget Officer Bannu Reham Riaz. The chief secretary, secretary of Establishment, director of Anti-Corruption, and others were named respondents.

The petitioners contended that they had been accused of recruiting teachers based on fake credentials during their tenure, despite appointments being made according to the law.They were accused of misuse of authority and causing losses to the national exchequer. Show-cause notices were issued to them and they were afforded personal hearings.

Subsequently, acting on the orders of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, the secretary Establishment and Administration Department issued a letter on January 17, 2024, directing action against the officials. On this basis, the Anti-Corruption Establishment Bannu initiated proceedings for the registration of FIRs and possible arrests.

The petitioners had challenged these proceedings before the PHC Bannu Bench. They sought annulment of the inquiries and the letter issued by the Secretary of Establishment recommending the registration of FIRs against them.

The government’s counsel informed the court that irregularities had been identified at the grassroots level in the recruitment process, warranting inquiries and legal action against the officers.