The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing internal turmoil as its Internal Accountability Committee (IAC) launched a probe into Taimur Saleem Jhagra, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) finance and health minister.
The committee accuses him of financial mismanagement, corrupt hiring practices, and governance failures that allegedly cost the province dearly. Jhagra, however, dismisses the claims as a baseless smear campaign.
The IAC’s report flags serious issues from Jhagra’s time as finance minister. It alleges Rs36 billion was pulled from the Pension and Gratuity Account without recovery, pointing to lax oversight. KP defaulted on financial duties multiple times under his watch, leaving the province debt-ridden. The committee demands answers on these lapses and his long-term strategies, which spawned costly “dead projects.”
Corruption Claims in Health and Hiring
As health minister, Jhagra faces heat over the Sehat Card Program, medical procurement, and COVID-19 relief. The IAC claims Rs3.2 billion was spent on Sehat Card services despite lower costs of Rs2.25 billion, questioning the gap. Hospitals were cut from the program for poor quality, yet Jhagra allegedly failed to fix it. Body scanners, bought at inflated prices, sat unused, prompting a National Accountability Bureau inquiry.
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Hiring practices also draw fire. The report says Jhagra packed staff with relatives, many quitting after securing benefits. A financial institution’s managing director appointment, allegedly rule-breaking, is under anti-corruption scrutiny. COVID-19 gear and UN-donated contraceptives reportedly went to waste, fueling further criticism.
Jhagra’s Defense and Party Rift
Jhagra fights back, calling the probe biased. “Decisions were cabinet-level, not solo,” he insists, blaming KP’s woes on federal funding delays. He dares the IAC to prove illegal hires and defends the Sehat Card as a KP triumph, admitting delisted hospitals were a quality call. On procurement, he cites market chaos during COVID-19, denying wrongdoing.
The standoff deepens PTI’s cracks. With the IAC pressing for answers and Jhagra standing firm, this clash could reshape the party’s inner dynamics.
