Political leaders question appointment of FATA DG projects

Allege Islam Zeb is involved in corruption; demand enquiry

DI KHAN: The appointment of Islam Zeb as the director general of projects in Fata by the governor has been questioned by politicians.

In a joint press conference at a hotel on Sunday, PPP South Waziristan president Amanullah Wazir and PML-N local leader Shah Hussain Wazir accused Zeb of corruption in development schemes as well as embezzlement in development funds during his term as political agent of South Waziristan. Amanullah and Hussain expressed their concerns over the decision as they said local tribal elders provided proof against Zeb prior to the appointment.

Amanullah said, “Since long, we have been hearing of ‘Fata reforms’, however, not a single person has been made accountable.” He added, “If this is not incompetency, then I do not know what is.” According to Hussain, “Appointing such a person means PML-N does not pay heed to its own manifesto. It is strange that as a PML-N Governor, Mehtab is the one carrying out the appointment.”

Earlier press conferences held by Malik Jamil, the chief elder of the Ahmadzai tribe, were also referenced at the conference. Jamil had accused Zeb of corruption and had pointed out specific instances of his alleged crime. Amanullah and Hussain said the appointment was an injustice to the tribespeople and urged officials with higher authority to initiate an enquiry.

Devising security measures

A jirga was held to discuss security measures for Muharram. Under Section 144, a ban will be put into effect on the use of motorcycles and standing on rooftops on Muharram 9 and 10.

Instructions against carrying weapons, hosting unidentified people in the house, or passing out pamphlets and posters were discussed.The jirga was held to strengthen Sunni and Shia relations, and was attended by army, police, and district government officials.

DI Khan Commissioner Zakir Hussain Afridi said, “Prevailing peace in the area is the result of joint cooperation of the district government and the public.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2015.