PWD Officials Decry Rampant Corruption in PoGB Administration

Senior Public Works Department officials in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan criticized local administration for widespread corruption and flawed recruitment for government jobs and projects. They highlighted how deserving candidates are sidelined, demanding that 50% of developmental project jobs be reserved for locals, along with affordable electricity for PoGB residents.

Senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) recently criticized the local administration during a meeting for rampant corruption and questionable recruitment processes for government jobs and projects, according to a local news source from PoGB. During the meeting, a senior PWD official revealed that several people within the local administration have been reported for accepting bribes in exchange for government jobs, which has fueled corruption and unemployment.

The official stated that talented individuals in PoGB can't afford these bribes, stressing that developmental project funds belong to the people and are meant to improve public life. He criticized corrupt officials for misusing government funds for personal luxury, highlighting the current situation in PoGB where these funds are controlled by dishonest officers.

The official also mentioned that certain mafias within the government are exploiting these projects but promised to address this issue in the upcoming elections. He called on these officials to either cease their corrupt activities or relinquish their posts, emphasizing that many families in PoGB are forced to sell land to afford education and questioned how they could also afford bribes for jobs. He suggested reserving 50% of developmental project jobs for PoGB residents and demanded affordable electricity for citizens.

Another PWD official echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as a major injustice to local youth. He criticized the appointment of underqualified and incapable individuals to significant roles through manipulated selection processes, thereby leaving deserving locals jobless and impoverished. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)