ALPURI: The local elders and activists of the Tehreek-e-Ehtesab have announced to launch a street movement from Friday against the alleged corruption, irregularities in development projects and misuse of public funds in Shangla, accusing certain elements of colluding with contractors and claiming to possess documentary evidence of the wrongdoings.
In a statement, active leader of Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla Dr Sajjad Ahmad Khan and other founding members appealed to the people to support the campaign and raise their voice against alleged corruption in the district. The organisers claimed that around Rs50 billion allocated for various development projects in Shangla had allegedly been subject to widespread irregularities and misappropriation. They also alleged collusion between contractors and relevant elements in some projects.
They said they possessed documentary evidence and official records relating to the alleged irregularities, which would be made public in phases. According to the organisers, a public outreach and protest campaign would formally begin on Friday, during which records concerning the alleged irregularities would be presented to the public and media.
The statement said that silence over alleged corruption could allow those responsible for causing losses to the national exchequer to continue their activities. It called on the people of Shangla to unite to protect the district’s resources and development funds. The campaign organisers said they would pursue the matter until it reached its logical conclusion and would present the available documents before relevant institutions, the public and the media to enable an independent investigation.
They demanded a transparent and impartial audit of billions of rupees allocated and spent on development projects in Shangla. They also called for inspection of the quality and cost of all projects and legal action against those found responsible for financial irregularities following an investigation. The organisers appealed to residents, civil society, political and social activists and journalists in Shangla to support the campaign and help bring the alleged irregularities to light.
