Video message: Ayesha Mumtaz refuses to bow down to ‘mafia’

Former PFA official fends off charges of corruption

LAHORE: Punjab Food Authority (PFA) former director operations Ayesha Mumtaz has rejected all allegations of corruption and claimed that she and other PFA officers had performed their duties selflessly to get rid of ‘adulteration mafia’.

In a video message circulated on social media, Mumtaz said she would not bow down to the mafia, which, she said, is behind her character assassination.

“The media is being misinformed and misguided by the adulteration mafia. However, I will not bow down to any pressure from this mafia,” she said, adding that she will face any inquiry if called.

Mumtaz said the purpose of the campaign was a stop her from serving people. She said during her tenure from June 2015 to Oct 2016, she waged a war against this mafia.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) is currently grilling a dozen PFA officials on charges of corruption. Two PFA officials were handed over on a four-day remand to the establishment on Thursday.

The ACE swung into action after the PFA Director General Noor Ul Mengal wrote a letter to ACE and Special Branch to probe alleged corruption in the PFA.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Mengal said it was not for the PFA to determine anything at this point, adding that the case was being investigated by the appropriate forum.

“As far as Mumtaz is concerned, she can join the PFA whenever she wants to. However, since Lahore operation seat is already occupied, so she will have to settle for some other seat,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2017.