Former provincial minister and PTI spokesperson Shaukat Yousafzai has submitted a formal application to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Local Government Minister Meena Khan, demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation into all development projects completed in Shangla district over the past several years.
Application Highlights Billions Spent Since 2022
In his written request, Yousafzai noted that billions of rupees had been allocated for development schemes under the Local Government Department, Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs), and other public-sector programs since the PTI government fell in 2022. He emphasized that serious concerns have been repeatedly raised by the public regarding the quality, transparency, and proper use of these funds.
Yousafzai pointed to allegations of irregularities, financial mismanagement, and corruption that have surfaced from various quarters in recent days. He stressed that an independent investigation is essential to ascertain the facts and address growing public concerns.
Call for Autonomous High-Level Commission
The PTI leader called for the establishment of an autonomous and unbiased high-level commission to examine all completed projects in Shangla. According to his application, the commission should thoroughly review fund allocation and utilization, tendering procedures, construction standards, implementation mechanisms, and administrative practices.
Yousafzai described Shangla as one of the underdeveloped districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose residents deserve transparent governance and effective use of development resources. He argued that public funds for roads, water supply, education, health, and other welfare projects must directly benefit local communities rather than being lost through inefficiency or alleged corruption.
Impartial Audit to Strengthen Public Confidence
The former member of the provincial assembly maintained that an impartial audit and scrutiny of all development schemes would not only identify shortcomings and irregularities but also strengthen public confidence in government institutions. He added that such an exercise could serve as an important step toward ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and merit-based development planning in the future.
Political observers and social circles in Shangla have described Yousafzai's demand as a significant development in the ongoing debate over public spending and project execution in the district. Many have expressed hope that the provincial government will take the request seriously and initiate an independent review process in the larger public interest.
