Our Correspondent
CHARSADDA: Following reports circulating on social media regarding alleged corruption in the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Charsadda and recent protests by municipal employees, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government and Auqaf, Mena Khan Afridi, paid a surprise visit to the TMA office and ordered a formal inquiry into its financial and administrative affairs.
During the visit, the minister reviewed official records and inspected various departments of the municipal administration. He directed the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the institution’s financial and administrative matters.
Afridi instructed officials to thoroughly examine the TMA record and ensure strict action against any officer found involved in corruption or misuse of public funds. He stressed that embezzlement of public resources would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The minister also met serving and retired employees of the TMA and listened to their grievances. He assured them that pending pension payments for retired staff and timely salaries for current employees would be addressed on a priority basis. He said resolving the legitimate concerns of employees was the government’s responsibility.
Expressing concern over the municipality’s financial management, Afridi questioned how the institution’s own revenue was being utilized and where provincial government grants were being spent. He directed the Secretary Local Government to constitute an inquiry committee to investigate these matters.
Referring to nearly 300 stay orders related to various shops that have remained pending for the past three years, the minister said efforts would be made to resolve the issue in consultation with the Law Department and remove legal hurdles.
He also instructed TMA authorities across the province to ensure the provision of basic facilities, including parking spaces and washrooms, in plazas and commercial buildings.
During the visit, the minister ordered immediate measures to address issues related to street lighting in the city and emphasized that negligence in providing basic civic services would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, members of the public welcomed the minister’s visit and the decision to launch an inquiry, expressing hope that the investigation would be conducted transparently. However, some citizens voiced concerns that, as in the past, the inquiry might remain limited to paperwork unless concrete action is taken. They urged the government to make the findings public and hold those responsible accountable.
