Muhammad Irshadullah
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) internal accountability committee has dismissed all corruption allegations against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
According to the committee’s final report, the accusations of abuse of authority and illegal appointments were found to be baseless. The investigation concluded that all hiring and promotions within the KP Assembly Secretariat—including those involving Special Secretary Syed Waqar Shah—were made in accordance with legal procedures.
Committee Formed on Imran Khan’s Directives
PTI founder Imran Khan established the accountability committee on August 3, 2024. Its primary goal was to investigate corruption and power misuse within the provincial government.
The committee consisted of three members: former KP Governor Shah Farman Khan, senior advocate and ex-senator Qazi Muhammad Anwar, and Brigadier (Retired) Musaddiq Abbasi. Their mandate was to conduct an impartial probe into the serious allegations raised during a public speech in Mansehra by former Senator Azam Khan Swati.
Key Findings: Appointments Followed Legal Process
The report confirmed that Speaker Babar Swati played no role in most of the appointments. The majority were made under the previous speaker’s tenure and were approved based on Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) recommendations.
The investigation also noted that Class IV staff appointments were made through the Employment Exchange Program, a legally recognized mechanism. While one instance of rapid double promotion—Grade 19 to 20 within a month—was flagged as inappropriate, the rest were found to comply with DPC recommendations.
Political Motivation Behind Accusations
Qazi Muhammad Anwar, in his individual assessment, concluded that the allegations lacked merit and were politically motivated. He reviewed all documents and found no misuse of authority by Speaker Swati.
The report clarified that, in his official capacity, Speaker Swati is accountable to the provincial assembly—not the committee. However, as a senior PTI leader, he was expected to cooperate with the inquiry. The committee emphasized its role was advisory, not punitive, and focused on identifying procedural lapses rather than assigning blame.
Details on Syed Waqar Shah’s Promotion
The report also addressed the promotion of Syed Waqar Shah. Initially appointed as Special Secretary in BPS-19, he was later sent to PIPS and posted to the National Assembly, where former Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani upgraded him to BPS-20 on April 22, 2022.
He rejoined the KP Assembly on August 18, 2023. A grievance committee reviewed his case and recommended confirming his BPS-20 status, which the current Speaker accepted. However, this action was based solely on the committee’s advice and not initiated by Speaker Swati.
Rules Notified for Transparency
To ensure procedural transparency moving forward, the KP Assembly has officially notified the “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Secretariat Employees Terms and Conditions of Service Rules 2025.” These updated rules will regulate all future appointments and promotions.
Final Word: Speaker Cleared, Focus Shifts to Governance
The PTI accountability committee’s findings not only clear Babar Saleem Swati of corruption charges but also highlight the importance of lawful processes in government institutions. As the province navigates political challenges, the emphasis on transparency and accountability remains central to PTI’s internal reforms.
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