Rs50 Million Furniture Scam In Bannu Schools: Senior Education Officials Face Charges But No Arrests Yet

The Education Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district is under serious scrutiny over allegations of corruption, nepotism, and financial mismanagement, particularly regarding the misappropriation of funds allocated for school furniture in the fiscal year 2021–22.

According to an inquiry report, out of the Rs80 million released by the government to address furniture shortages in schools, furniture worth Rs50 million is still missing.

Despite this massive embezzlement, the contractor who failed to deliver the furniture was not only spared any punitive action but also had his security deposit returned.

Also Read: The Story of Qari Abdul Rauf: A Refugee, A Teacher, A Beekeeper

Four years on, both the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Anti-Corruption Department have failed to identify or prosecute the key figures behind the scam.

The District Education Officer (DEO) of Karak was appointed as the inquiry officer and explicitly highlighted the scale of the fraud in his report, listing the names of those allegedly involved and forwarding them to the relevant authorities.

Sources reveal that both former and current male and female DEOs, as well as a Primary Teacher Certificate (PTC) teacher, have been named in the case. In response to the inquiry, the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued notices and charge sheets to all implicated officials. However, no significant progress has been reported in the case thus far.

Meanwhile, another incident reflecting political interference and favoritism during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has surfaced.

A Grade-15 Drawing Master (DM) was reportedly appointed as Assistant Sub-Divisional Education Officer in Jhando Khel on the recommendation of the sitting MNA, in violation of departmental rules, which require at least a Grade-16 officer for such a position. This irregular appointment has also raised serious concerns about the integrity of the education system in the region.

MENAFN05082025000189011041ID1109885405