Arrest warrants issued for Sohail Afridi over alleged corruption as inquiry widens

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued arrest warrants for former chief minister Sohail Afridi. It claims to have found evidence of alleged corruption and financial irregularities worth billions of rupees.

According to the government, Sohail Afridi is currently in protective custody. He has been kept at an undisclosed safe location. However, he has not yet been formally arrested.

The government says alleged irregularities in various government projects and financial matters are being investigated. The officials concerned have widened the scope of the inquiry. They have sought important documents, financial records and other necessary details from various government departments.

The inquiry will be finalised after the records received are examined. According to the government’s position, once the initial inquiry is complete, the evidence and related matters will be sent to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Department. This is so that further action can be taken in accordance with the law.

Inquiry into Sehat Card Plus programme

Alleged financial irregularities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sehat Card Plus programme are also under investigation. These relate to the purchase and supply of medicines, medical equipment and other medical facilities. According to the government, financial transactions and procurement procedures are being reviewed. The aim is to identify those who may be involved and those responsible.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has also made a claim about the political displeasure of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. According to the government’s position, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has reservations because he has not received the representation and fair share he wants in the current technocrat-style system of government.

However, the officially stated position of the persons concerned on the government’s claims is yet to come. These claims relate to the alleged corruption by Sohail Afridi, the arrest warrants, the Sehat Card programme inquiry and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The legal standing of all these allegations and claims can be determined only after the relevant inquiries and action by the competent authorities.