Imran Maher, President of Anayat Kalli Bazaar and General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Tehsil Khar, has raised his voice against alleged embezzlement and mismanagement in public welfare projects in the area.

Recently, he attended an event at a village council where sports equipment was being distributed, and it was revealed that the value of the provided equipment was less than fifty thousand rupees, despite a government fund of five lakh rupees being allocated.

Imran Maher highlighted the issue on social media and formally informed the relevant authorities. Following his notification, players and chairpersons of various village councils also submitted written applications to the district administration, pointing out alleged corruption in the allocation of sports funds.

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Sources said that the provincial government had allocated a total of 63.5 million rupees for sports activities across 127 village and neighborhood councils in the district. Each council was provided five lakh rupees through the Assistant Director of the Local Government and Rural Development Department.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali Khan, in a written notification issued on February 20, 2026, ordered a formal investigation into these allegations. The notification stated that public meetings and complaints circulating on social media indicated that in some councils, funds were not spent according to government policy.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance & Planning) has been appointed to lead the inquiry, which will identify possible misuse of funds and ensure strict and timely action against those responsible.

Local representatives, political and social workers, and athletes have welcomed the inquiry. In discussions with TNN, several individuals alleged that large-scale mismanagement and corruption had occurred in the funds allocated for sports in Bajaur District.

Omar Khan, a cricket player from Village Council VC-47 Ghakhi Mamund, said that despite the allocation of 63.5 million rupees for 127 councils, the value of the provided sports kits was less than one lakh rupees, highlighting serious irregularities.

Players and sports personnel stated that most sports kits were of poor quality and that favoritism and party affiliations influenced the distribution of funds, leaving deserving individuals deprived.

They demanded that the provincial government take strict legal action against those responsible if the allegations are proven.