Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have ordered strict action against suspected ghost employees and long-term absentee staff in government schools and hospitals across Lower Dir and Bajaur.
The crackdown follows growing concerns about public funds being spent on employees who fail to perform their duties.
Government Launches Crackdown on Ghost Employees
Malakand Division Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Bacha directed education and health officials to identify absent employees and ensure accountability.
During a high-level meeting, he warned that negligence would lead to departmental action.
Officials were instructed to improve attendance monitoring and strengthen public service delivery.
The commissioner highlighted that nearly 70% of the provincial government’s budget goes toward education and healthcare.
School Principals Face Strict Accountability
Lower Dir District Education Officer Mushtaq Ahmad issued instructions to school administrators on Friday.
Principals must immediately cancel unauthorized staff assignments and need-based transfers.
School heads will also be responsible for verifying daily teacher attendance.
Authorities have ordered principals to submit certificates confirming that their institutions have no ghost employees.
Failure to report absent teachers could result in disciplinary proceedings against school administrators.
Education monitoring officers must also conduct regular school inspections.
Bajaur Authorities Prepare Employee Lists
In Bajaur, Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi ordered similar action against absent education and health workers.
Officials have started preparing lists of employees suspected of receiving salaries without attending work.
Sources claimed that several absentee workers belong to influential families.
Most reportedly hold lower-grade positions or work as teachers.
However, authorities have not confirmed the total number of suspected ghost employees.
The investigation aims to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure public resources benefit citizens.
