Riven by rift, PTI govt issues second notice to Atif Khan

PESHAWAR: In a notable development, the PTI government has issued a second inquiry notice to its own senior party leader MNA Atif Khan.

The first notice pertained to the Malam Jabba case, while this latest notice concerns the Fazal Garden Housing Society in Mardan. Sources within the PTI confirm that internal rifts have intensified, with notable tension between factions led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and MNA Atif Khan. The Directorate of Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has issued a second notice to Atif Khan, a former minister and senior PTI leader, as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding Fazal Garden, a private housing project in Mardan.

The notice issued on November 1, 2024, calls on Atif Khan to appear for questioning and provide clarifications about his purported involvement in Fazal Garden. The Anti-Corruption Department seeks clarification on why Atif Khan’s name appears in advertisements as a proprietor or owner of the project.

Allegations suggest that the government land has been encroached on by the housing society. Additionally, it is claimed that agricultural land was converted into residential plots, potentially violating bans and restrictions in place. The Anti-Corruption department also alleges possible misappropriation of government funds for the development of Fazal Garden’s private housing society. Atif Khan has been asked to present tax records and declarations linked to the project, including any personal benefits he may have accrued. The notice allows Atif Khan to submit any additional documents to address these allegations.

In response, Atif Khan told the News that he had received this second notice from his own government. He said he was being targeted because he criticizes the provincial government, but will not be intimidated. Instead, he will face the situation and stand for the truth.

The Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif, told this correspondent that there is no question of internal differences; rather, this is just a routine case. The department likely received complaints, which prompted action. He explained that the Anti-Corruption Department has sent Atif Khan a notice, but it’s not an initiation of any case — it’s simply a clarifying notice asking him to address the complaints against him. It’s still in the very preliminary stages, and if Atif Khan provides a satisfactory explanation, the matter will be closed. However, if additional evidence emerges, the case will proceed further.