QUETTA: The Balochistan Anti-Corruption Establishment has arrested an official after registering a case over alleged irregularities in the auction of vehicles and heavy machinery of the provincial irrigation department at throwaway prices.

As part of the investigation, geologist and deputy director in the irrigation department Talah Bugti has been arrested, while raids are being conducted at different locations to apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the case.

Sources said the investigation team had taken government records into custody and was examining valuation procedures, auction documents and the roles of relevant officials.

Investigators are reviewing the original and assessed values of the vehicles and machinery, auction advertisements, bidding procedures, successful bidders and amounts deposited into the government treasury.

They are also examining whether any individual or group received an unlawful financial benefit through the auction process.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2026