The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a comprehensive forensic audit of all provincial departments to investigate corruption, including the high-profile Kohistan mega scandal spanning the last 12 years.
The audit will examine suspicious, fake, and illegal payments made from 2013 to 2024, with the Finance Department hiring a private firm to conduct the third-party investigation. The firm will receive Rs 48.5 million.
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Finance officials have contacted all relevant departments, instructing them to prepare records for scrutiny. The selected firm is required to comply with procurement laws and departmental terms throughout the audit process.
Audit reports will be submitted in phases, with Peshawar as the first phase, followed by Hazara and Malakand in the second, and Kohat and Bannu in the third phase, ensuring systematic coverage.
Authorities warned that delays or negligence could lead to penalties, including potential bans on the firm. Strict monitoring is being implemented to ensure timely submission of divisional-level audit reports.
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The forensic audit aims to enhance accountability, recover misused public funds, and restore transparency in government operations, signaling KP’s commitment to tackling long-standing corruption and promoting responsible governance.