FIA arrests son of PML-N's Ameer Muqam over corruption allegations

PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Monday apprehended son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president Ameer Muqam over allegations of corruption.

According to the agency, an inquiry into alleged corruption in construction of Alpuri Road in KP's Shangla district had been completed, after which Muqam's son Ishtiaq among five contractors were arrested.

The FIA said a case had also been registered pertaining to alleged corruption in construction of the said road, with the concerned project director, contractors National Highways Authority (NHA) officials and engineers nominated in it.

Sources informed Geo News the FIA has recommended departmental action against 11 NHA officials and blacklisting of Ameer Muqam and Company.

They said the agency also recommended recovery of more than Rs620 million from the construction company.

The company had to complete the project in one year's time at the cost of Rs850 million, but it is yet to be completed even after 10 years with the cost exceeding Rs2800 million, the sources elaborated.

'Political victimisation'

In his reaction, Muqam alleged that efforts were being made to use state institutions against him at the behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Minister of Communications Murad Saeed.

He said their hands were clean and they were not going to be scared of such tactics of the government and minister of communications.

The PML-N leader termed the registration of the case against his son and company "baseless propaganda and mockery of the law".

He said actions of the "puppet" government against its political rivals were condemnable.

"We will protest against political victimisation inside and outside the assembly, and approach the courts for justice," Muqam vowed.

"Injustice has been widespread in the reign of a government of party having justice in its name."