Qaseem Shah:Â
Quetta: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Balochistan has arrested two former senior officials on charges of illegal appointments and misuse of authority. Those taken into custody include former Deputy Director General ACE Babar Bugti and former District Accounts Officer, Margat.
According to an official statement, the arrests were made on the directives of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, who has instructed strict action against those responsible for corruption. Following a detailed investigation, a formal case has been registered against the accused and further inquiries are underway.
Director General ACE Balochistan, Ghulam Abbas, and Deputy Director General, Ahmed Umar Baloch, supervised the probe. Investigators revealed that on June 15, 2023, at least 36 illegal appointments were made in the Education Department, putting undue financial burden on the provincial exchequer. The inquiry found that the appointments violated the Balochistan Rules and Regulations Act of 1991.
The report concluded that the then Deputy Director General ACE, Babar Bugti, and District Accounts Officer Margat had misused their official powers. Both have now been taken into custody, while additional legal proceedings and accountability measures are in progress.
The ACE reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all those involved in corruption and assured that further details will be shared after the investigation concludes.
