NAB intensifies scrutiny of development projects, assets and recruitment in KP

Islamabad: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has reportedly stepped up its scrutiny of development projects, financial assets and recruitment practices associated with former provincial government officials, as part of efforts to examine the utilisation of public funds, transparency in administrative decisions and compliance with financial regulations.

According to a report published by Minute Mirror, the bureau is seeking official records and relevant documentation concerning several political figures, including former chief ministers Sohail Afridi and Ali Amin Gandapur, former minister Fazal Hakim and former special assistant for housing Dr Amjad Ali.

The reported inquiries cover multiple areas of public administration, including development schemes, land allotments, housing projects, financial holdings and recruitment procedures. The exercise is aimed at gathering and examining relevant records to determine whether further investigative action is warranted.

As part of the process, NAB has reportedly sought details from the Communication and Works Department regarding development schemes approved during Sohail Afridi’s tenure. The information being examined includes project allocations, budgetary approvals, contractor selection, tendering procedures, implementation timelines and payments made against approved schemes.

The bureau is also reportedly obtaining information from the Revenue Department, Peshawar Development Authority and relevant housing authorities to review land allotments, building approvals and the utilisation of public resources. Such scrutiny forms part of the broader examination of administrative decisions and financial transactions associated with government-funded initiatives.

Another component of the reported inquiries concerns assets allegedly disproportionate to known sources of income. NAB is said to be collecting details of bank accounts, properties, vehicles and other financial holdings associated with the individuals concerned. Relevant information is reportedly being sought from government departments and financial institutions to facilitate the examination of available financial records.

Dr Amjad Ali has reportedly received five notices in connection with the assets inquiry. According to the published report, he was asked to appear at NAB’s Peshawar office between October 20 and 22, 2026, and submit information relating to his income, properties and financial transactions. Four other individuals have reportedly been summoned to provide statements concerning housing schemes, allotments and contracts.

In a separate development, the bureau is reportedly examining recruitment procedures in departments associated with development and housing projects. The scope of the inquiry may include daily-wage and contractual appointments, as well as allegations of favouritism in recruitment. The relevant records are expected to help establish whether the appointments complied with applicable rules and prescribed procedures.

The reported developments come amid recent proceedings at the Peshawar High Court concerning a petition related to Sohail Afridi’s alleged detention or recovery.

According to the report, NAB officials are currently collecting and reviewing departmental documentation before determining whether the available material warrants further action. The process involves examining official records, comparing financial information and assessing the circumstances surrounding the decisions and transactions under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, a source close to Dr Amjad Ali has reportedly maintained that his assets were acquired lawfully and described the proceedings as politically motivated. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf representatives have also criticised the timing of the reported inquiries.

The next stage is expected to involve a detailed review of the information obtained from relevant departments and institutions, followed by an assessment of whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with formal investigations or other measures under the applicable law.

NAB’s reported exercise highlights the importance of documentary verification, financial transparency and procedural compliance in the administration of public resources. However, the inquiries remain at the information-gathering and scrutiny stage as described in the published report, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established against the individuals named.