On July 19, 2025, an accountability court in Peshawar extended the custody of four suspects linked to the Rs40 billion Kohistan corruption scandal, granting the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) a five-day physical remand for further investigation. The accused, including a district accounts officer, an auditor, a former bank manager, and a contractor, are allegedly involved in one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s largest financial fraud cases.
The case centers on the misappropriation of public funds through fake treasury cheques and fraudulent billing for non-existent development projects in Upper Kohistan. NAB has uncovered evidence of money laundering, with funds funneled through fictitious accounts and shell companies. Assets worth Rs25 billion, including luxury vehicles, properties, cash, and gold, have been seized, highlighting the scale of the scandal.
Among the accused, Shafiq ur Rehman Qureshi, a district accounts officer, is alleged to have played a central role in approving fraudulent transactions. Another suspect, Muhammad Riaz, a former bank cashier turned contractor, reportedly set up fake firms to siphon off billions. Social media posts on X have emphasized the seizure of high-end assets, including 77 luxury vehicles and 109 properties across major cities, reflecting public outrage over the misuse of public funds.
One suspect, Muhammad Ayub, has offered a plea bargain of Rs3.45 billion, agreeing to repay in installments, though NAB previously rejected a lower offer. The investigation is ongoing, with NAB signaling more arrests as it traces the money trail. The court’s decision underscores Pakistan’s efforts to combat corruption, with the case drawing attention for its scale and audacity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 20th, 2025
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