SHANGLA: Leaders of Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla have announced plans to launch a public protest movement from Friday against what they allege are widespread irregularities in development projects and misuse of government funds in the district.
In a statement, the group’s leaders, including Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Khan and other founding members, urged residents, civil society members, political and social activists and journalists to support the campaign. The organizers claimed that around Rs50 billion allocated for development projects in Shangla had allegedly been affected by financial irregularities and embezzlement.
Organizers Say Evidence Will Be Presented
The group alleged that contractors and other relevant elements had colluded in some development projects. It said it had documentary evidence and official records concerning the alleged irregularities, which would be presented before the public in phases.
According to the organizers, the formal public-contact and protest campaign will begin in Shangla on Friday. They said records related to the alleged misuse of funds would be made public to allow citizens to assess the claims.
The group said it would continue its campaign until the allegations were taken to their “logical conclusion” and said the available documents would also be submitted to relevant institutions and the media to facilitate independent scrutiny.
Demand for Audit of Development Projects
Tehreek-e-Ehtesab Shangla has called for a transparent and impartial audit of funds released and spent on development projects in the district.
The organizers also demanded that the quality and costs of development schemes be examined and that legal action be taken against anyone found responsible if financial irregularities are established through investigations.
The group urged residents of Shangla and other sections of society to participate in the campaign and help bring the alleged irregularities to the attention of relevant authorities.