PESHAWAR: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor on information and public relations Samar Haroon Bilour on Friday said available evidence regarding financial corruption by former chief minister Sohail Afridi was being compiled.
“Sohail Afridi is still in protective custody. Evidence of embezzlement involving billions of rupees is being collected against Mr Afridi, while a charge sheet will surface,” Ms Bilour told a news conference here.
The adviser said the recent remarks by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl emir Maulana Fazlur Rahman, a senior and respected political leader, against the state reflected his “political dissatisfaction and frustration”.
“Dissatisfaction over the absence of a desired political role in the existing technocratic setup can be a factor behind the JUI-F chief’s recent political stance,” she said.
Samar Bilour says former CM still in ‘protective custody’
The adviser added that corruption allegations dating from the PDM government, including matters involving individuals close to the JUI-F leadership, also required proper investigation and clarification.
She said the current provincial administration welcomed constructive suggestions and guidance from the JUI-F chief and remained open to acknowledging and rectifying any shortcomings. However, she warned that the administration’s patience should not be misconstrued as weakness.
In a statement issued by her office, the adviser said comprehensive measures were under way to introduce institutional reforms, improve governance, ensure transparency and strengthen public service delivery under the vision of a “changing, progressive and stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”.
Ms Bilour said eight modern armoured vehicles had been handed over to the police to enhance their operational capabilities and that a comprehensive plan to strengthen police infrastructure and improve operational capacity would be developed over the next five to six weeks.
Paying tribute to police personnel for their courage, commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, she said providing them with modern equipment, adequate resources and improved facilities was a government priority.
The adviser said the investigation into the Dir Colony school collapse incident, in which 30 children and a teacher lost their lives, had been completed and that a detailed report would be shared with the media shortly.
She added that a subcommittee was also examining the responsibilities of the relevant departments and tehsil municipal administrations to identify any negligence in the inspection, approval and monitoring of buildings.
Clarifying the government’s position on the Sehat Card programme, Ms Bilour said internal irregularities within the programme were being reviewed but there was no intention to discontinue or abolish it.
Ms Bilour said the performance and administrative structures of medical teaching institutions, along with the professional qualifications and merit of their board members, were also being evaluated.
She added that any proposed reforms would be guided by institutional performance and professional standards, not political victimisation.
Regarding the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, the adviser said traffic congestion and drainage problems in Peshawar could not be effectively addressed without removing illegal encroachments from government land, green belts and drainage infrastructure.
She said that the operation was being carried out indiscriminately, without favour or discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, personal connections or recommendations.
Ms Bilour said that the government also planned to rehabilitate and beautify the cleared areas to make them more accessible and beneficial to the public.
About urban sanitation, she said the performance of urban sanitation services and the Water and Sanitation Services Company was improving, with sanitation teams continuing their work until late at night.
She said the removal of accumulated waste in Peshawar was underway, while a comprehensive waste collection plan was also being developed.
On digital governance, she said adviser on legal affairs Amir Javed had brought various institutions together on a common digital portal in accordance with their respective mandates and statutory responsibilities.
She said the portal had become operational and was designed to facilitate public access to institutional services and complaint redressal mechanisms through a single platform.
The participating institutions included the Auqaf and religious affairs department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission, Human Rights Commission, provincial ombudsman, Right to Public Services Commission, Right to Information Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade, KP Assembly Secretariat, Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and labour and human resource department.
Ms Bilour said that the provincial administration’s priority was to act responsibly, safeguard the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and address issues through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
She said the vision of the “Changing, Progressive and Stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” was not merely a slogan but a firm commitment to improved governance, institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and effective public service delivery.
The adviser said that efforts would continue across all major sectors to translate that vision into tangible improvements in the people’s lives.
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026
