QUETTA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested the former chairman of the Balochistan Textbook Board (BTBB) on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in a corruption case.

Officials of the ACE stated that in response to a complaint filed by the chairman of the Balochistan Textbook Board, an inquiry team was formed under the supervision of Deputy Directors of Investigation Sheikh Munir Ahmed and Kamran Bashir.

During the investigations, it was found that ex-chairman Arif Shah caused a loss of Rs170.6 million to the government treasury. This loss resulted from his alleged illegal favouring of contractors in the publication of school textbooks and in the award of contracts.

Officials mentioned that upon the allegations being substantiated, a corruption case has been filed against Mr Shah after approval by the authorised authority.

He has been arrested, and an investigation is underway. Further action will be taken based on the revelations provided by suspect Shah, and the Anti-Corruption Balochistan is actively pursuing the arrest of other individuals involved in the case.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2024