Malicious accusations were levelled by elements whose demands for illegal favours have been declined
PESHAWAR: In response to a news story published in the newspaper on May 20th, I would like to say that certain public representatives have been orchestrating a smear campaign against the Bank of Khyber (BoK), a profitable financial institution of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province.
While delivering fiery speeches on the floor of the K-P Assembly, some members levelled wild allegations against the BoK. The lawmakers’ claims are far from true. The entire strength of the BoK, including contractual staff, is less than 1,400.
However, one MPA alleged that 1,450 employees had been appointed to the bank in violation of the relevant law over the last four years. The MPA should have fact-checked his information before speaking on what he called irregularities in the BoK.
The BoK has earned Rs5 billion over the past three years, an achievement that adequately reflects the lender’s robust health. Additionally, the value of its shares has significantly surged under the new management.
The malicious accusations were levelled by elements whose demands for illegal favours, such as anomalous appointments and loans, have been declined. The public representatives should avoid defaming the bank, whose strong financial health is evident from annual audit reports. This provincial asset needs protection from all stakeholders.
Afzal Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2017.
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