Tussle between PTI, PML-N over graft allegations in Peshawar

Both sides accused each other of embezzlement in contracts relating to uplift projects

PESHAWAR: Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) exchanged heated words on Tuesday at the district council session in Peshawar over allegations of embezzlement in government contracts.

The members were discussing development projects on the second day of the session convened by the council's deputy speaker Syed Qasim Ali Shah.

PTI's member Abdul Malik said he had been told by many contractors that the district members frequently ask for 'commission' relating to approval of projects.

He went on to add that all members of the council are involved in the corrupt practice, bringing a bad name to the district government.



The allegations caused an uproar in the session, with several members asking Malik to retract his statement and apologise, which he refused to do. The members at the treasury and the opposition benches then traded harsh words. Malik and a PML-N member Raham Dil also tried to physically attack each other during lunch. The session was subsequently deferred.

Later, the PTI member apologised to the council and said his words had been taken out of context by the members, saying he wasn't leveling allegations on the entire council.

Speaking to the media after the session, District Nazim Muhammad Asim termed the incident unfortunate, saying he will form a committee to probe the incident and deal strictly with those responsible.