16 October 2004	Saturday	01 Ramazan 1425

SWABI, Oct 15: Pandemonium broke out in the Swabi district council session after opposition members accused the treasury benches of receiving six per cent commission in all contracts granted by the district government.

Speaking at the session on Wednesday, Swabi Independent Group President Muqarab Khan said that he had proofs that contracts for development works in the tehsil municipal administration were being awarded only to those who had the support of the district government, while genuine contractors were being ignored.

Other opposition members said that corrupt practices had been promoted by the district government itself which had allowed unscrupulous people to devour the public money.

They said contractors had been allowed to use substandard material in development projects after receiving commission which could be verified by ascertaining the quality of just-completed projects.

District Nazim Jehan Zeb Khan refuted the charges and said that those who promoted corruption in the past were now pointing an accusing finger at his government but the people are aware of the facts.

He said that he had the whole record in his possession that showed that how the public money was swindled through different tactics. He said whenever the misdeeds of the opposition members were unveiled they raised a hue and cry to divert the public attention from real issues and to hide their illegal activities.

He said all projects were being awarded on merit and even women councillors were given their share as per the plan chalked out earlier. He said that instead of criticizing the government, opposition members should come forward and work for the welfare of the people.

The district nazim vowed that he would unveil all the corrupt practices of the opposition members and everything would be unfolded before the public. It may be mentioned that the opposition and treasury benches have been at loggerhead during the past four months and none of the sessions had been held peacefully. Most of the time passed in allegations and counter-allegations.