PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to set up a new Anti-Corruption Authority to fight corruption more effectively. This new body will replace the existing Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE).
As per the media report, the decision was made in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, advisor on Anti-Corruption Brigadier (Retd) Musaddiq Abbasi, cabinet members, the chief secretary, and senior officials also attended the meeting.
Officials were directed to finalize the draft of the Anti-Corruption Force Act and present it for approval soon. The proposed law aims to combat white-collar crimes more effectively.
A new anti-corruption force will be formed under the proposed law. Professionals will be hired through the Public Service Commission based on merit. The force will have six regional and two sub-regional offices, staffed by experts to handle corruption cases.
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The restructuring is expected to improve conviction rates from 1-2% to 80%. Direct recoveries could rise from Rs 100 million to Rs 500 million, and indirect recoveries from Rs 2 billion to Rs 5 billion annually.
The handling of complaints and investigations will also be sped up. The draft law focuses on awareness, prevention, and enforcement. It includes measures for witness protection and penalties for false complaints.
Chief Minister Gandapur said the move is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the anti-corruption system, in line with the PTI manifesto.
He emphasized that the aim is to curb corruption while avoiding unnecessary harassment. The government will continue its zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
