PEHSAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has reportedly approved the process for the sale of gold worth hundreds of millions of rupees recovered during investigations into the Kohistan financial scandal and has initiated consultations with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Mint Lahore to finalize the mechanism.
According to official sources, the consultations with the State Bank and Pakistan Mint Lahore are underway in order to devise a mechanism for the valuation and sale of the recovered gold in accordance with all legal requirements.
It is stated that a meeting has been held at the high level of the State Bank and the Pakistan Mint Lahore to devise a procedure for the purity test and valuation of the gold, and experts will ascertain the value of the gold in accordance with market prices.
According to reports, the gold has been retrieved through the investigations carried out by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the Kohistan financial scandal. According to NAB, they were able to seize a large amount of gold from various government officials and individuals connected to the scandal.
After the retrieval, the gold has been sent to the State Bank of Pakistan for safekeeping for security purposes. The government is currently proceeding with the process of disposing of the assets after consulting with the relevant authorities.
85 Private Schools in Peshawar Face Action for Ignoring Vacation Orders
Meanwhile, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to take action against private schools allegedly operating in violation of official summer vacation orders, with 85 institutions identified in the provincial capital for issuing notices.
According to official sources, the schools were found to be open despite government-declared holidays amid severe heatwave conditions. Preparations have been completed to issue formal notices to the identified institutions, and the process is expected to begin immediately.
Officials said the Pakistan School & Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is initiating action against the private schools in different areas of the city that are reportedly ignoring the holiday schedule.
The decision follows multiple complaints received by the provincial government regarding the continued operation of schools during extreme temperatures. Authorities also noted an increase in reported cases of students fainting in some schools due to the heat.
Sources said that, in addition to issuing notices, heavy fines are likely to be imposed on institutions found violating the directives. The government has instructed regulators to ensure strict compliance with the summer vacation policy.
Despite official orders, several private schools across the city have remained open, prompting regulatory intervention. Officials said enforcement actions, including the issuance of notices, are being initiated from Monday.
