Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed strict accountability of government officers and officials, saying no one will be above the law and that his administration will maintain zero tolerance for corruption.
He made the remarks while chairing a meeting in Peshawar to review disciplinary and accountability measures taken against government employees across the province.
Officials briefed the meeting that 827 cases involving government officers and officials had emerged since October 2025. Decisions have been taken in 629 cases, while proceedings in the remaining 198 cases are still ongoing.
According to the briefing, disciplinary action was taken against 589 officers and officials, while 40 employees were acquitted.
Hundreds Face Disciplinary Action
The accountability proceedings resulted in significant penalties against government employees.
Among those facing action, 128 employees were dismissed from service, while 18 were removed and six were compulsorily retired.
Two employees were demoted, one was arrested, and salaries were recovered from 89 employees. Authorities also stopped the promotion of 39 employees.
In addition, 16 employees were charged, salaries of 14 employees were deducted and 10 employees were suspended.
The disciplinary process also resulted in 155 employees receiving warnings, while 52 were reprimanded.
Unauthorized Absence Tops Violations
Unauthorized absence emerged as the most common violation among the cases reviewed by the provincial government.
Officials said 447 cases, representing around 54 percent of the total, involved unauthorized absence from duty.
The other cases included 120 cases of negligence, 75 cases involving corruption and financial irregularities, and another 75 cases related to incompetence.
There were also 14 misconduct cases, 13 cases involving poor supervision and 11 cases related to violations of rules.
Show-Cause Notices and Inquiries
The accountability process included 221 show-cause notices, 279 explanation cases and 184 departmental inquiries.
Officials also reported 102 suspensions, 23 expressions of disapproval and nine cases involving placement as officers on special duty.
The government said these measures were part of its broader effort to improve discipline, transparency and performance within the provincial administration.
Of the 827 cases, 305 were reported from district offices, while 263 originated from attached departments and institutions. Another 259 cases were reported from central departments.
Health Officials Also Face Action
The meeting was also briefed on disciplinary action taken during inspections of health facilities in the province.
During visits to healthcare institutions, 90 officers and officials of District Headquarters Hospital Swabi faced suspension action.
Similarly, suspension action was taken against 61 officers and officials of District Headquarters Hospital Lakki Marwat.
The measures were presented as part of efforts to ensure government employees remain present at their workplaces and provide services to citizens effectively.
Afridi Announces Zero Tolerance Policy
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reiterated that transparency, merit and good governance would remain key priorities of his administration.
He said the provincial government would not compromise on accountability and that every government employee would be required to perform their responsibilities honestly and efficiently.
“There is a zero tolerance policy against corruption,” Afridi said, stressing that there was no place for corrupt elements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister directed relevant departments to continue accountability proceedings and ensure that disciplinary cases are handled according to the law.
The latest figures indicate an intensified focus by the KP government on misconduct, absenteeism, negligence and financial irregularities among public officials.
Afridi maintained that accountability would continue across departments as part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery.
Also read: Sohail Afridi, Five Lawmakers Declared Proclaimed Offenders By ATC
