Probe into misappropriation of Rs40m fund ordered
The funds remain outstanding at a time when PM Sharif and the finance minister have been going pillar to post trying to arrange $5 billion to $7 billion to revive the IMF programme. PHOTO: file
Upon receiving a written complaint from Ishtiaq Ahmad Paliju addressed to the Chief Minister of Sindh, the chief secretary of Sindh directed the Anti-Corruption Establishment to investigate allegations of fund misappropriation totalling Rs40 million. These funds were initially earmarked for furniture procurement by officials in the school under the education department.
Following the directive from the chief minister, the Anti-Corruption Establishment Headquarters in Karachi has sent a communication to the Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Jamshoro. The communication, compliant with anti-corruption regulations, outlines the necessary steps to validate the complaint and calls for a comprehensive investigation. Subsequently, a report is expected to be submitted once the inquiry is completed.
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the accuracy of the allegations and take appropriate actions against District Education Officer Thatta Rahim Soomro if the misappropriation of funds is confirmed.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2023.