Seeking justice: Mastuj residents demonstrate against rampant corruption

Call for catching culprits involved in embezzling money from development schemes.

CHITRAL: Around 600 residents of Mastuj, under the banner of Tanzeem Tahfuz-e-Huqooq-e-Awqam Mastuj, protested on Thursday against alleged corruption in multiple development projects and demanded the government initiate an inquiry.

Social activist and president of the organisation Sarfaraz Ali Khan led the protest with Rahmat Salam Lal. They gathered on Boni Road.

In his address, Sarfaraz said the Communications and Works (C&W) Department had built the Boni-Mastuj road and Chitral link road, but due to massive corruption in the project, the entire road has developed pits due to the use of low quality material. He added the government should investigate C&W officials who were involved in the project along with politicians from the former government of Awami National Party (ANP)who approved contracts.

Sarfarz alleged Mirgram Water Supply Scheme also met a similar fate and could not be launched properly due to corruption by public health and irrigation department officials.

The protesters demanded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)led government start inquiries on the projects and bring justice to those involved in the embezzlement. He said that people voted for PTI because they had promised to eliminate corruption and now it is high time that culprits behind massive corruption scandals be caught.

Residents of Mastuj also demanded the government declare the area a separate district so they can solve the problems of the area more efficiently. They also urged the government to tackle the issue of load-shedding head on, and complained that because of the lack of electricity in the area, all trade activities are being hampered.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2013.