KP govt to set up vigilance cell to monitor employees’ political activities

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to establish a vigilance cell to monitor the activities of government employees, particularly their involvement in political affairs.

According to an official letter, the move aims to ensure strict compliance with rules prohibiting civil servants from participating in political activities.

The vigilance cell will be responsible for receiving complaints, conducting inquiries, and investigating cases involving government employees.

Authorities have reiterated that government employees are not allowed to join political parties, attend political gatherings, or take part in election campaigns.

The letter also imposes a complete ban on the use of official positions and government resources for political purposes.

In case of violations, the vigilance cell will recommend departmental action against the employees concerned.

All District Education Officers (DEOs) have been directed to fully cooperate with the vigilance cell to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

Earlier, one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s major digital news platforms, Pakhtoon Digital, had alleged that it is facing pressure from the provincial government for reporting on sensitive issues, including a report involving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s brother, ARY News reported.

According to details, the platform “Pakhtoon Digital” has come under scrutiny after publishing reports based on tweets, analyses, and video clips from senior journalists. A legal notice questions why such content was aired.

The controversy intensified after Aamir Afridi, brother of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, filed a defamation claim worth millions of rupees against Pakhtoon Digital. The notice also raises objections to reports alleging commission-taking and financial irregularities.