In a shocking development, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) finance and health minister Taimur Jhagra has faced massive corruption and financial mismanagement charges from within the party’s accountability panel.
PTI’s Internal Accountability Committee (IAC) has launched an inquiry into alleged major financial corruption, including illegal massive hirings and governance mismanagement by Jhagra.
According to the committee’s report, Rs36 billion was allegedly withdrawn from the Pension and Gratuity Account but was never recovered during his tenure. These funds were allegedly transferred without the due process.
Furthermore, the committee also raised questions into the fact that the KP province defaulted many times under his tenure.
The committee findings also alleged that the senior PTI leader hired a large number of employees in government positions, including his relatives. Many of those employees reportedly resigned after securing long-term employment benefits.
The report points out to the fact that the province remained in debt throughout his tenure as the finance minister, questioning whether Jhagra implemented any policies to improve the fiscal space for KP.
Additionally, Jhagra has also been accused of corruption and mismanagement in the provincial healthcare projects, including the party’s major initiative Sehat Card Program.
For instance, the committee’s findings report that Jhagra spent Rs3.2 billion on the Sehat Card program despite its expenditure of Rs2.25 billion.
The committee has further accused him of purchasing MRI scanners for hospitals at an inflated prices, while the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also launched inquiries into the scandal.
It merits a mention that the report alleges that these MRI machines were never commissioned or used in public services. The IAC also highlighted that the UN-donated contraceptives were left to expire in Karachi instead of being used for public benefits.
Taimur Jhagra has denied all allegations, arguing that the committee is completely biased against him. He has demanded that the committee bring forward evidences for any claims against him.
Read more: CM Gandapur visits Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Eid day 3
