Language

Don't you have an account with Pajhwok Afghan News?

Click here to subscribe.

High-level team to probe charges against Sherzai

High-level team to probe charges against Sherzai

author avatar
21 Apr 2013 - 17:43
High-level team to probe charges against Sherzai
author avatar
21 Apr 2013 - 17:43

JALALABAD (PAN to investigate corruption allegations against Governor Gul Agha Sherzai, an official said on Sunday.

Led by National Directorate of Security (NDS) Deputy Operational Head Dr. Mohammad Yasin Zia, the team would listen to public complaints, the governor’s spokesman, Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

For his part, Dr. Zia promised a fair probe into the complaints. He said the delegation would meet different tribal elders and representatives of protestors.

Abdul Zahir Qadir, a member of the Wolesi Jirga and a powerful figure in the east, has led the protestors to block a number of roads across the city over the past two days.

The demonstrators accused Governor Gul Agha Sherzai of grabbing government lands in different areas and misappropriating funds meant for reconstruction projects.

Earlier in the day, police reopened the roads and residents easily commuted across the provincial capital for several hours, said the deputy police chief, Col. Masoom Khan Hashimi.

In the afternoon, youths and elders took to the roads and closed the highway in the 4th Farm area of Batikot district. The protestors chanted slogans against the governor and called for his accountability.

Col. Hidayat, the district police chief, confirmed the highway’s blockade, saying they had taken measures to ensure the security of protestors.

Political commentators, meanwhile, warned the long-simmering Qadir-Sherzai tussle could lead to a crisis in the province. Analyst Eng. Zarghoon Shah said: “It’s a war of personal interests. Some of the people are paid by the governor, while others are supportive of Haji Zahir.”

Kabul University teacher Lal Pacha Azmoon said the ongoing confrontation was against the Karzai administration. If the situation persisted, similar protests could erupt in other provinces as well, he feared, saying the central government could also be dislodged.

“Two powerful individuals have locked horns. One of them will eventually fall. As a result of divisions among its residents, Nangarhar will slide into a disaster,” he remarked.

mud

Visits: 8

Related Topics

GET IN TOUCH

SUGGEST A STORY

Pajhwok is interested in your story suggestions. Please tell us your thoughts by clicking here.

PAJHWOK MOBILE APP

Download our mobile application to get the latest updates on your mobile phone. Read more