Kohistan scandal, Rs117m plea bargain approved, Rs14bn offer emerges

ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: The multi-billion-rupee Kohistan corruption case has taken a significant turn after an accountability court approved a plea bargain worth Rs117 million for one of the accused, while another key suspect, C&W Department head clerk Qaisar Iqbal, has approached the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) with a proposed Rs14 billion plea bargain.

According to NAB officials, the accountability court approved the Rs117 million plea bargain in the latest development in the case. The accused has already deposited more than Rs104.7 million, while the remaining amount has reportedly been secured against properties in Mansehra.

The court ordered the accused’s release, subject to the condition that he is not wanted in any other case.

The development came within 24 hours of another major plea bargain in the Kohistan scandal, according to NAB officials.

Qaisar Iqbal Seeks Rs14bn Plea Bargain

Qaisar Iqbal, a head clerk in the Communication and Works (C&W) Department and a key accused in the case, has submitted a plea bargain application through the jail superintendent, seeking to settle the case for Rs14 billion.

NAB’s investigation alleges that Qaisar Iqbal and his wife accumulated assets worth around Rs10 billion through unlawful means. The assets allegedly include plots, plazas, gold and cash.

Investigators have also alleged that a further Rs4 billion was deposited in a benami account allegedly maintained in the name of Qaisar’s driver.

The figures cited in the investigation put the proposed settlement at Rs14 billion, comprising the alleged Rs10 billion in assets and Rs4 billion linked to the alleged benami account.

The allegations remain subject to the legal process and any final determination by the relevant court.

What Is a Plea Bargain?

Under Section 25(b) of the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, a plea bargain provides a legal mechanism through which an accused may voluntarily return assets or funds allegedly obtained through corruption, subject to approval by the Accountability Court.

The process involves a written request from the accused, assessment and processing by NAB, and final approval by the court. A plea bargain does not amount to an acquittal. Under the applicable legal framework, individuals entering into an approved plea bargain can face statutory consequences, including restrictions on holding public office, contesting elections and obtaining bank loans for the prescribed period.

How the Kohistan Case Unfolded

The Kohistan scandal concerns alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of development funds in Kohistan. NAB’s investigation has focused on allegations involving officials, clerks and contractors and the alleged preparation and processing of fraudulent bills for development works.

Investigators have alleged that funds were withdrawn against projects that either did not exist or were not executed as claimed.

The case has raised questions about how allegedly irregular transactions and payments could continue without detection by the departments and offices involved in the approval, accounting and disbursement of public funds.

NAB has arrested several suspects in connection with the investigation and is pursuing recovery through legal proceedings, including plea bargains.

The latest developments have therefore placed renewed attention on both the recovery of public money and the accountability of officials who allegedly processed or authorised disputed payments.

The court’s approval of the Rs117 million settlement and Qaisar Iqbal’s reported Rs14 billion plea bargain request could become important developments in determining the scale of alleged financial irregularities in the wider Kohistan case.

Whether NAB accepts the proposed settlement from Qaisar Iqbal or proceeds with the case through trial will depend on the legal process and the decision of the competent authorities and court.