LAHORE: Former Pakistani Chief Minister Parvez Elahi is under scrutiny following a damning inquiry report by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which alleges his involvement in corrupt practices and the misuse of authority during his tenure as Chief Minister.
The report claims that Parvez Elahi collaborated with close associates to allocate 116 development projects to his hometown Gujarat district of Punjab Province.
The accountability watchdog’s investigation found that Parvez Elahi, the former Chief Minister, abused his position to unlawfully award contracts to favored contractors. The report asserts that he exerted undue influence to ensure that these contracts were granted to those he preferred.
Furthermore, the NAB report asserts that following the allocation of contracts to his preferred contractors, the PTI president received kickbacks through intermediaries.
The report highlights that Elahi initiated numerous unnecessary development projects in Gujrat, his hometown, and recklessly released advance funds for these projects. Redirecting funds meant for other projects to those in Gujrat was also noted, reflecting a misuse of funds for his own benefit.
The investigation concludes that Parvez Elahi’s actions constituted a misuse of his authority as the head of the province, ultimately leading to corrupt practices and financial gain for himself.
Accountability Court Extends Parvez Elahi Remand
Meanwhile, Parvez Elahi appeared before the accountability court in Lahore as his physical remand expired. He is facing allegations of receiving kickbacks and engaging in corruption worth billions in various development schemes.
NAB Lahore Bureau has requested a further 14-day physical remand for Elahi, which the court granted, extending his remand until August 29.
In a separate development, Parvez Elahi was permitted to meet his family and undergo a medical examination by his personal doctor.
Earlier, he had requested the court’s permission to consult his personal doctor, citing back pain and swollen knees.
He also informed the court that he was only allowed to meet his family once a week.
