The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has arrested the main suspect in the Rs. 40 billion Kohistan corruption scandal, regarded as one of Pakistan’s largest financial frauds.
According to NAB, the accused, Qaiser Iqbal — a former clerk and later head clerk in the Communication and Works Department of Upper Kohistan — was taken into custody along with his wife after leaving Abbottabad Medical Complex on October 18, 2025.
Investigators allege that over Rs. 40 billion was embezzled from government funds under the Head of Account G-10113 through fake bills, forged documents, and bogus cheques, reportedly prepared in collusion with officials and private contractors.
NAB stated that staff from the C&W Department, District Accounts Office, Accountant General’s Office, and National Bank of Pakistan were involved in facilitating illegal withdrawals intended for public projects. Several government employees, bankers, and contractors have already been arrested, with authorities seizing properties, gold, cash, foreign currency, and luxury vehicles tied to the case.
A raid on Qaiser’s residence led to the recovery of property documents, treasury cheque records, and other evidence suggesting an organized fraud. Investigators claim billions were transferred into accounts held by Qaiser’s wife and a contractor named Mumtaz, while several others also profited from the scheme.
The couple was presented before an accountability court in Peshawar, which granted a seven-day remand for Qaiser and four days for his wife. NAB officials said the probe is expanding and could lead to more high-profile arrests as they follow money trails and property links.
Authorities suspect the corruption network extends beyond local officials and may involve senior officers who overlooked or enabled the fraud. NAB affirmed that the investigation will continue until all culprits are identified.
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