NAB Expands Auqaf Properties Inquiry

PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has widened its investigation into alleged corruption, abuse of authority and irregularities involving Auqaf properties by requesting computerized land records for all districts from the Board of Revenue.

According to an official letter sent by NAB KP to the Senior Member, Board of Revenue, an inquiry is being conducted under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, against officials of the Auqaf Department and other individuals allegedly linked to the case.

NAB stated that the requested records and supporting documents are essential to assist the ongoing investigation.

Referring to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Waqf Properties Ordinance, 1979, the bureau noted that Waqf properties include all assets dedicated to religious, charitable or welfare purposes, regardless of whether documentary evidence of their endowment is available.

The anti-corruption watchdog has also requested the identification of all land records in which the Auqaf Department is listed in the Column of Cultivation within the official revenue record.

The Board of Revenue has been directed to provide certified information extracted from computerized and digital land records of all districts to the NAB Peshawar office by August 7 to facilitate the investigation.

The letter further cautions that providing false information, concealing facts or submitting misleading records may result in legal action under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999.

However, NAB clarified that the request is solely intended to obtain records required for the inquiry and should not be interpreted as imposing restrictions on the properties or initiating legal proceedings against the related assets or accounts.