The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of its departments to investigate allegations of corruption, illegal payments, and financial irregularities, including the high-profile Kohistan mega corruption scandal.
According to media reports, the audit will cover a 12-year period from 2013 to 2024 to determine the extent of fake and unlawful payments across the province. A private consultancy firm has been appointed to carry out the audit at a cost of Rs 4.85 crore, with strict timelines and reporting requirements mandated by the provincial Finance Department.
Sources in the Finance Department said the selection of the consultancy firm followed legal procedures. The firm is required to submit timely reports at each stage of the audit. Delays or negligence may result in penalties or restrictions on the firm. Reports will be submitted in phased stages, with initial audits covering Peshawar, followed by Hazara and Malakand, and later Kohat and Bannu divisions.
This step reflects the provincial government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public sector financial management.
