PESHAWAR: Head of the provincial archaeology directorate on Monday alleged that members of the probe team tasked with investigating the alleged irregularities at the Peshawar Museum were involved in illegal excavations and antiquities smuggling.

Talking to reporters, director archaeology Dr Abdul Samad said forgeries allegations against his institution were levelled with ulterior motives so that treasure of the Peshawar Museum could be sold in the international market.

Earlier this month, provincial anti-corruption establishment had launched investigations into complaints of irregularities by a former female contract employee and its report containing serious allegations against the archaeology directorate and the Peshawar Museum was leaked to media some days back.

Mr Samad, however, rubbished the allegations and said NAB had already probed the allegations levelled by former museum contract employee, Bilqees Begum. He said the bureau had cleared the museum of all charges. He said the anti-corruption establishment started highlighting the news in media even before launching a proper investigation, thus blackmailing and harassing the museum staff.

Mr Samad said the constitution of probe committee headed by a ‘corrupt retired officer with shady record’ was intentional as Dr Makin Khan, who was illegally appointed inquiry officer, had serious corruption charges against him when he worked at National Museum Karachi.

The archaeology directorate chief continued that his (Dr Makin’s) pension was withheld to recover museum dues, saying he had no professional knowledge or experience in archaeology and coin history as he held a masters degree in geography.

Mr Samad claimed that the anti-graft body also got involved another private individual, Mr Zulqarnain, in the investigation, who he alleged, was involved in antiquity smuggling. Dr Samad said an FIR was registered against Zulqarnain in 2012 after he was arrested by Mardan police for smuggling antiquities.

Mr Samad said both the people on the probe body were given free access to highly restricted reserve collection at the Peshawar Museum, where they made unauthorised videos of collection.

Mr Samad said the KP government had also written to NAB to take action against director ACE Ziaullah Toru or to allow the provincial government to take action against him under efficiency and disciplinary rules.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2016