Questions raised over misuse of resources in PRCS

Relatives of current chairman, special appointees of previous governor recruited into PRCS merged district

PESHAWAR:

Serious concerns about the integrity and merit-based policies of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in the merged district have been raised following allegations of resource misuse and nepotism.

Sources told The Express Tribune that numerous individuals, including relatives of the current chairman and special appointees of the previous governor, were recruited into the PRCS merged district.

The sources further alleged that not only has merit been disregarded, but there has also been extensive misappropriation of the organisation's resources.

Funds intended to assist orphans and the destitute have reportedly been diverted to benefit insiders, raising multiple questions about the organisation's role and responsibilities.

Additionally, it was reported that the chairman has utilised the organisation's resources for personal use while ignoring its primary mission. Allegations suggest that the chairman was leveraging his position for publicity, akin to a politician.

When contacted, the chairman of the PRCS merged district, Imran Wazir, vehemently rejected all allegations, labelling them as baseless. He stated that if any corruption or misuse of resources against him is proven, he will resign.

Wazir claimed to have raised substantial funds from donors in a short period and utilised these funds for the benefit of people in the tribal districts. He emphasised his tireless work, achieving milestones that no previous chairman could accomplish.

Wazir insists that a strict 100% merit policy is being enforced and that no one will be allowed to breach it.

He highlighted his commitment by approving ambulances for the PRCS office and converting the entire office to solar power.

Maintaining transparency and meritocracy within the Red Crescent's operations in the tribal districts, Wazir stated, remains his ultimate goal.