TANK: The completion of the 37 kilometers main Tank-Pezu Road project connecting Indus Highway, is facing significant delays due to the alleged corruption and negligence of Federal Secretary Communications, Ali Sher Mehsud.
According to Mehmood Ahmad Khan Bettani, former MPA and leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUIF), Mehsud is stalling the release of funds for the road’s completion, reportedly in exchange for kickbacks.
Talking to media, Mehmood Bettani criticized Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud for prioritizing personal gain over the development of his own district.
He claimed that despite the approval of key infrastructure projects like Tank-Pezu and Ranwal to Yarak CPEC routes, Mehsud redirected the allocated funds for these roads to other districts, leaving Tank’s critical roadworks incomplete.
“The Secretary has allowed the roads in Tank to remain in a dilapidated state, which is leading to frequent accidents and public protests,” said Mehmood Bettani.
He described Ali Sher as a highly corrupt officer, accusing him of embezzling funds in Islamabad and selling them in exchange for commissions.
He said the JUIF has announced its full support for the upcoming protest against the delays in the Tank-Pezu road project.
The party will stage a sit-in in front of Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud’s residence on Tuesday here to demand the immediate release of funds for the road’s completion.
Mehmood Bettani urged the federal government to immediately replace Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud. If the government fails to take action, JUI-F has warned that it will escalate its protests, with plans for more demonstrations in the coming days.
When contacted Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud, he didn’t reply to response the matter.
