Khyber Archaeology Project Under Scrutiny for Rs. 2 Million Irregularity — RTI Response Still Pending

 

A serious case of financial irregularity amounting to Rs. 2.009 million has surfaced in an archaeological preservation project in Shapola, Khyber District. The scheme, launched under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE), allegedly involved excessive payments for work related to “providing, laying, and restoration of stone chipping.”

According to sources, the approved quantity for stone chipping was 2,544 CFT, but records show that 9,719 CFT was billed — nearly four times the approved amount — resulting in a questionable excess payment.

The project was awarded to M/s Shah Brothers for a total contract value of Rs. 30.44 million, of which Rs. 15.803 million has already been disbursed. The Auditor General's report highlighted that this additional work was neither technically sanctioned (TS) nor justified with proper documentation, raising concerns about the oversight mechanisms within the department.

Information Request Ignored Despite Legal Mandate

On May 1, 2025, an investigative journalist submitted a formal RTI request under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013 to the Department of Tourism, Archaeology, and the KITE Project Office. The request sought:

A certified copy of the BOQ (Bill of Quantities)

Full contract details

Official approval for the excess quantity

Measurement Books (MBs)

Audit report and internal inquiry findings

Any proceedings or updates from the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC)

However, even after 15 days, no response has been received. Authorities have not shared any documentation, nor have they explained the delay or disclosed whether any disciplinary action or inquiry has been initiated.

Concerns Over Lack of Oversight

Experts argue that such large-scale payments made without Technical Sanction (TS) point to serious flaws in project oversight and accountability. The journalist involved is now preparing to take the matter to the Peshawar Information Commission for redress and to ensure the public’s right to know is upheld.

“This was meant to be a flagship project for preserving historical sites and boosting tourism in KP. But the financial discrepancies have cast a shadow over its credibility,”

said the journalist.

The critical question remains:

Will the department break its silence and come clean on the irregularities?

Or will this case, like many others, be quietly buried in bureaucratic files?

 

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