A massive graft scandal has rocked Multan’s Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), leading to the suspension of three officials implicated in a Rs300 million corruption case. The accused, including director of marketing Hafiz Usama, accountant Badar Munir, and site inspector Pervaiz Iqbal, face charges of financial misappropriation and misconduct. The news has left residents reeling, as trust in public institutions takes another hit in Pakistan’s struggling economy.
Inquiry on Graft Scandal
An inquiry, led by PHA Director General Kareem Bakhsh, uncovered a web of deceit, including forged records and diverted funds meant for public projects. The probe revealed that Rs20 million from Wasa’s horticulture allocation was misused to cover private contractors’ liabilities, while Rs64 million in financial instruments vanished without a trace. X posts from Multan locals express outrage, with many calling for stricter oversight to prevent such betrayals of public trust.
The investigation also exposed illegal transfers of Rs68 million to unrelated accounts, masking deficits from previous years. The committee, chaired by Adnan Ahmad Bhatti, found evidence of tampered dates and forged signatures, pointing to a deliberate attempt to deceive.
Anti-Corruption Involvement
The PHA has forwarded the case to the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) for further action, with ACE Regional Director Basharat Nabi confirming an ongoing investigation. The suspensions signal a crackdown, but for many Pakistanis, the scandal deepens distrust in governance. Families in Multan, already grappling with economic hardship, feel the sting of funds meant for their parks and public spaces being siphoned off.
What’s Next
As the graft scandal unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for accountability in Pakistan’s public sector. The PHA’s swift response is a step forward, but restoring faith will take more than suspensions. With public sentiment on X demanding justice, the pressure is on to ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law in this devastating graft scandal.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 5th, 2025
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