NAB orders probe into KP Police ‘corruption’

PESHAWAR: National Accountability Bureau has ordered complaint verification of billions of rupees alleged corruption in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police Department during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.

Complaints have been received about embezzlement of funds of billions of rupees in purchase of equipment for traffic police, construction of Police Assistants Lines, funds for security of polio vaccination campaign, purchase of furniture and other equipment for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), agreement for SMS services, funds for the schools running under police department and fake bills for purchase of petrol, etc.

NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal has ordered inquiry into these complaints. KP NAB Director General Farmanullah confirmed that complaint verification was under way and all complaints were being looked into thoroughly.

According to a letter issued by the NAB Headquarters, billions of rupees corruption was committed during former IG Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Nasir Khan Durrani from 2013 to 2017. At least Rs1.92 billion embezzlement was allegedly committed in purchase of equipment for the traffic police. Complaints have been received about misappropriation of Rs250-300 million in construction of Police Assistants Lines, while Rs125 million were embezzled in funds for provision of security to polio vaccination campaigns.

Similarly, there are also complaints about irregularities in procurement of furniture and other items for CTD, deals with different mobile companies for SMS service and embezzlement in funds for schools run police.

Various NGOs are funding these schools but complaints have surfaced about the police getting government funds as well. Moreover, there are allegations that the IGP’ decision to abolish the section concerning the monitoring and imposing fine on heavy vehicles by the traffic police has caused a loss of Rs 240 million and that bogus petrol bills for police vehicles are being prepared and government fuel is used in personal vehicles.

Former IGP Nasir Khan Durrani was appointed on September 25, 2013 in the PTI government’s tenure. Enjoying a good repute, he got the Police Act 2016 approved and retired after four years on March 16, 2017.

NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa DG Farmanullah, confirming the reports about complaint verification against the provincial police and the former IGP, said the NAB headquarters had received the document on the basis of which they would check the matter.

Former IGP Durrani could not be contacted. Sources in the police department who have worked closely with him told this correspondent that Durrani is known for his uprightness and discipline. They said that even if the corruption complaint is genuine, it must have happened unbeknown to Durrani as it is inconceivable he would ever compromise honesty.