LAHORE: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has launched an inquiry against Khanewal’s former deputy commissioner Maleeha Khurshid following allegations of financial misconduct and bungling in the beautification of a bazaar in the district.
ACE Director General Suhail Zafar Chattha says so far the ex-DC has not been arrested.
Official sources say that the former DC has been included in the inquiry on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s instructions following reports that Ms Khurshid allegedly colluded with a project contractor, who received hefty advance payments for the infrastructure development and fled away, leaving Akbar Bazaar beautification project incomplete.
The chief minister has also ordered immediate arrest of the contractor and recovery of the funds, the sources say.
Brushing aside claims circulating on social media about administrative procedures being adopted regarding the ex-DC and excessive payments made in the Khanewal Beautification Project, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the ACE director general was handling the cases strictly as per law, while ensuring fair defence rights. “Zero tolerance for corruption in Punjab,” she stated through her X handle and added, “All is well in Punjab.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Administrative Service Alumni Association (PASA), Punjab, has endorsed the government’s indiscriminate action against corruption and corrupt practices.
Reaffirming unconditional support for all actions against anyone found involved in inflicting losses on the national exchequer, the association, in a statement emphasised that the dignity and self-respect of every citizen, including civil servants, must be protected. “Any action against an individual should strictly follow due process of law, including preliminary verification of facts, establishing whether any wrongdoing has occurred, and providing a fair opportunity to explain one’s position,”the PASA adds.