SOUTH WAZIRISTAN (Awar Din Mehsud): Civil society leader Jani Mehsud has urged the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to establish a high-level, impartial inquiry committee to investigate the use of billions of rupees allocated for development projects in Upper South Waziristan under successive governments.
Speaking to the media, Mehsud said substantial funds had been allocated for development in the district during different political administrations. However, he claimed that residents continue to face shortages of basic facilities, including healthcare, education, roads and clean drinking water.
He said an investigation was necessary to determine how development funds had been spent and whether approved projects had been completed as planned.
Mehsud called on the proposed committee to examine records of approved projects, tenders, contracts and payments. He also urged investigators to determine whether public funds had been used for their intended purposes or whether alleged favouritism and nepotism had influenced their allocation.
Describing public money as a national trust, the civil society leader stressed that the government must ensure transparency and accountability in the use of development funds.
He appealed to the provincial governor to make the inquiry findings public and take legal action against those found responsible if financial irregularities were established.
Mehsud said transparent scrutiny of development spending was essential to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that residents of Upper South Waziristan receive the basic facilities and development opportunities they deserve.