Peshawar Court Reviews 35 Objections in Kohistan Scam

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PESHAWAR, thirty-five formal objections have been filed in the Peshawar Accountability Court challenging the freezing of assets connected to the Upper Kohistan financial scandal, according to sources within the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The objections were raised against asset-freezing orders targeting individuals accused in the case, with NAB confirming that 20 such orders have been issued so far. These cover both movable and immovable properties belonging to suspects named in the ongoing investigation.

NAB reports that those affected have contested the legitimacy of these orders, petitioning the courts to unfreeze their assets. The objections are currently under judicial review across four special accountability courts in Peshawar.

The Upper Kohistan scam involves allegations of misappropriation of over Rs40 billion from public funds, reportedly through fraudulent development projects in the region.

So far, eight suspects have been arrested in the case. According to NAB officials, seven individuals have been placed on judicial remand, while one suspect, Fazal Rahim, remains in NAB custody under physical remand for further interrogation.

The case remains under active investigation, with further legal proceedings expected as accountability courts examine each objection and determine the validity of the asset seizures.

The Kohistan scandal has drawn significant public and institutional attention due to the large sum allegedly embezzled and the number of individuals implicated. Authorities have not yet confirmed when the next hearings will take place, but updates are expected as the judicial review progresses.