The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recovered Rs. 4.05 billion in one of Pakistan’s largest corruption cases after a key accused agreed to a plea bargain approved by the Peshawar Accountability Court.
The case is linked to the Rs. 40 billion Kohistan mega corruption scandal, which exposed serious weaknesses in financial oversight within government departments.
Court Approves Plea Bargain
During the hearing, NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Deputy Prosecutor General Muhammad Ali told the court that Mumtaz, one of the main accused, had admitted to holding billions of rupees obtained through illegal means.
NAB’s investigation found that nearly Rs. 4 billion passed through Mumtaz’s personal bank accounts. After submitting a formal plea bargain request, the case was sent to the NAB chairman, who approved the deal after legal review. The court later endorsed the decision, confirming the recovery amount.
From Dumper Driver to Billionaire
Investigators revealed that Mumtaz was once a dumper truck driver, but later surfaced as the owner of assets worth billions of rupees. This sudden rise raised red flags and triggered a deeper investigation.
According to NAB officials, Mumtaz had registered a fake construction company under his own name. This company was allegedly used for false billing and siphoning government funds.
Frontman for a Government Clerk
Further findings showed that Mumtaz was allegedly acting as a frontman for Qaisar, a clerk in the Communication and Works (C&W) Department.
NAB claims Qaisar was the real mastermind behind the scam. He reportedly handled financial planning, created fake companies, and managed the flow of stolen funds. Mumtaz’s role was to appear as the company owner to hide the involvement of government officials.
Billions Moved from Government Accounts
Investigators were shocked to discover that billions of rupees were transferred directly from government accounts into a company registered in the name of a truck driver. NAB clarified that the recovered Rs. 4.05 billion is only a small portion of the total embezzled amount.
Massive Crackdown Continues
So far, NAB has arrested more than 36 individuals connected to the scandal. Authorities have sealed assets worth around Rs. 30 billion and frozen multiple bank accounts. Several other plea bargain applications are still under review.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Scam Amount | Rs. 40 billion |
| Recovered So Far | Rs. 4.05 billion |
| Main Accused | Mumtaz |
| Background of Accused | Former dumper driver |
| Arrest Date | October 9, 2025 |
| Alleged Mastermind | Qaisar (C&W Department clerk) |
| Assets Sealed | Rs. 30 billion (approx.) |
| Total Arrests | 36+ accused |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Kohistan mega corruption scandal?
It is a large-scale corruption case involving fake construction companies, fraudulent billing, and misuse of government funds worth around Rs. 40 billion.
How much money has NAB recovered so far?
NAB has recovered Rs. 4.05 billion, with more recoveries expected as investigations continue.
Who is Mumtaz?
Mumtaz is a key accused who was once a dumper driver and later appeared as the owner of a fake construction company used in the scam.
Who is the alleged mastermind behind the scheme?
NAB claims Qaisar, a clerk in the C&W Department, planned and managed the financial operations of the scam.
Are more arrests expected?
Yes. NAB officials say investigations are ongoing and more recoveries and legal actions are likely.
Conclusion
The recovery of Rs. 4.05 billion marks an important step in exposing the Kohistan mega corruption scandal, but it also highlights how deeply rooted corruption can become when oversight fails. The case shows how fake companies and frontmen were used to drain public funds on a massive scale.
With dozens of arrests, sealed assets, and ongoing investigations, NAB’s actions signal a strong push toward accountability. However, officials admit that this recovery is only the beginning, and much more remains to be uncovered.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.