PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated an investigation into alleged corruption and malpractices in the livestock and fisheries departments. The investigation is based on complaints against former Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Mahbubullah, Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Israrullah, Director General Khizar Kalim, and former Director General Sher Muhammad.
The NAB has requested a record of 16 years of developmental programs in the fisheries department and six years of records in the livestock sector. They have also demanded the initial sketches (PC-1) of all developmental projects since 2007, details of allocated and utilized funds, the procedure for establishing fish farms, application and scrutiny process, selection criteria for fish farms, technical evaluation reports, and payment details.
Furthermore, the NAB has asked for information regarding the recruitment of security guards in the fisheries department since 2017, including details of positions created, rules and regulations, recruitment advertisements, applicant information, selection committee meetings, and related records.
In addition to the fisheries department, the NAB has also initiated an investigation into the livestock sector from 2016 to the present. They have requested information on developmental programs, public sector development programs, administrative approvals, inspection reports, tender requests, payment checks, and vaccination details.
It is alleged that the Livestock and Fisheries Departments have been involved in irregularities such as vehicle purchases and large-scale recruitments without following proper procedures. Despite previous complaints, no action had been taken until the NAB launched its investigation now.
