Balochistan floods: Massive corruption detected in relief funds

The Express Tribune

Huge corruption has been detected in the distribution of funds earmarked for flood relief efforts in Balochistan’s Kharan and Washuk districts, the provincial ombudsman revealed on Wednesday. “We have completed our inquiry and found that as much as Rs50 million has been embezzled from the Rs120 million funds provided by the provincial government for flood relief efforts in Kharan and Washuk districts,” Balochistan Ombudsman Akber Baloch disclosed while addressing to the media. According to Baloch, four government officials, including one high-ranking officer, were found to be involved in the embezzlement. He added that a report in this regard had been sent to the Balochistan High Court (BHC) with recommendations that strict action be taken against the accused officials. Huge corruption was also detected in relief efforts in Sibi district, the ombudsman maintained, adding that Rs32 million had been recovered following the inquiry and deposited with the Balochistan finance department. Baloch said the inquiry had been ordered by BHC after victims of the 2007 and 2008 floods from Kharan and Washuk complained of misappropriation of funds earmarked for relief efforts.