MANSEHRA: PML-N MNA Mohammad Safdar and former MNA Laiq Mohammad Khan, the political rivals in the NA-21 constituency, have accused each other massive corruption.

“I welcome the National Accountably Bureau team to our constituency for probing the charge of corruption in development projects but want to make it clear that this investigation has been launched on the application of my rival and PTI Senator Azam Khan Swati,” Mohammad Safdar told a public meeting in Darband area here on Monday.

The MNA, who is the son-in-law of deposed prime minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, said his rival Chajjer family led by Senator Azam Khan Swati and his brother and former MNA, Laiq Mohammad Khan Swati, were involved in massive corruption.

He claimed the charges of corrupt practices against him would turn out to be false.

“The NAB will find nothing against me as I’ve neither embezzled funds nor have I received kickbacks for award of project contracts,” he said.

Mr Safar had defeated Mr Laiq in the NA-21 elections in 2013.

On the other hand, former MNA Mr Laiq, who recently joined the Awami National Party after quitting the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, told reporters in Oghi that he wasn’t a corrupt man like PML-N MNA Mohammad Safdar.

He said the current MNA from NA-21 would soon be behind bars for committing massive corruption.

FESTIVAL: The Jashn-i-Tanawal attracted large crowds of people on Sunday night with folk singers and dancers enthralling them.

The people, especially youths, danced in jubilation as the singer Sajjad Hazara and dancers performed.

MPA Ibrar Tanoli alias Mohammad Iqbal, who was the chief guest on the occasion, local elder Dr Ishfaq, district naib nazim Murtaza Tanoli shed light on the history and culture of Tanawal.

The lawmaker said the forefathers of local residents had migrated to Tanawal from Afghanistan centuries ago and that the people adhered to the old culture and traditions even in the modern times.

He said he would hold such events two times annually to promote the local culture and traditions.

The lawmaker complained about lack of basic facilities in Tanawal and demanded their early resolution. He also called for district status for the area.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2018