PESHAWAR: The Anti-Corruption Establishment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has issued another call-up notice to senior leader of the provincially ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and MNA Mohammad Atif Khan in an inquiry related to a private housing scheme in his home district of Mardan.

The notice issued on Nov 1 (Friday) was the second one in as two days as a call-up notice was issued on Oct 32 as part of an inquiry into the much-publicised Malam Jabba land lease case, which had already been closed by the National Accountability Bureau three years ago.

The ACE has asked Mr Atif that while appearing before the inquiry officer on Nov 12 for recording statement under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Rule 3(2) of the ACE Rules in the Malam Jabba case, he should also bring details pertaining to Fazal Garden housing scheme in Mardan.

The fresh details sought by ACE in the second call-up notice states “clarification pertaining to your name appearing in advertisement as one of the proprietor/owner of the housing society involved in conduct of business.”

Atif says everyone knows why he is being targetted

It has also asked the MNA to furnish the details pertaining to ownership of the land as there is allegation that the government land has been encroached by the said private housing society, namely Fazal Gardan, that agricultural land has been illegally converted into residential one despite a ban/restriction, and that government funds have been utilised for the development of the private society.

Other details sought by the ACE in the notice include tax/declaration made by the lawmaker pertaining to the aforesaid business and benefits accrued and any other details he may furnish as his plea to the above reflected allegations.

As the move gives credence to the reports about wrangling in the ruling PTI, Mr Atif has said that it is known to all as to why and at whose behest the notice has been issued in his party’s government in the province.

The infighting has reportedly been continuing within the ruling party for the last many months. On August 27, two senior office-bearers, including Peshawar region MNA Mohammad Atif Khan and president for Peshawar district MNA Sher Ali Arbab were sacked with the approval of the party’s provincial president and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The removal of both the senior leaders from the party positions happened just 10 days after the de-notification of communication and works minister Shakeel Khan over alleged corruption.

These three PTI leaders are reportedly part of a group opposing Mr Gandapur. The Peshawar region comprises Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s central districts, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera.

Commenting on the notices issued to Atif Khan, MNA Sher Ali Arbab, while commenting on his X (formerly Twitter) account said: “This seems to be an own goal. We cannot afford such antics and divisiveness as we prepare for a final push to secure (Imran) Khan sb’s release (from prison) through street movement. Atif Khan has been amongst a handful of PTI ministers who have done considerably well and remained non-controversial.”

Former minister Shakeel Khan stated in a statement posted on X that the notice issued to Atif Khan showed the desperation and fear of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. He said that those highlighting the misdeeds of the provincial government would not be silenced through such tactics.

He further said that Atif Khan was not alone and he (Shakeel) and other PTI ideological workers stood beside him like a rock and condemn the ‘dirty tricks’.

MNA Junaid Akbar commented on X that the provincial government should be ashamed of its actions. He said everyone knew who was corrupt and who was honest. He said that all of them were aware of one another’s past and present whether they were in some organisation or government.

Divisions in the PTI and its provincial government surfaced when party founder Imran Khan sent a stern message from his jail cell to members of his party’s government in KP that they all would be held accountable for corruption and governance issues in their departments.

The message was made public by the then provincial minister for communications and works department Shakeel Khan, during a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on August 3.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2024