The Female District Education Officer (DEO) of Bajaur, Hasan Ara, has alleged that former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Gul Zafar Khan verbally abused her over the phone, using offensive and inappropriate language. She is demanding a transparent inquiry into the incident.
According to a complaint submitted by Hasan Ara to the Deputy Commissioner of Bajaur two days ago, the former lawmaker allegedly made the abusive remarks during a call made to the male DEO’s phone, targeting her and other female staff members in the office.
She stated that the derogatory language caused severe mental distress among the staff and has called for legal action to prevent harassment of women in government offices.
Speaking to TNN, Hasan Ara explained that prior to her appointment, several illegal appointments had taken place in schools under the Parents-Teachers Council (PTC) fund. Upon taking charge, she initiated a data audit and discovered numerous fake teachers listed in the system.
After verifying with school heads, she uncovered that around 250 months' worth of salaries had been embezzled and over 30 ghost schools were registered. By halting these payments, she claims to have saved Rs. 7.5 million in public funds.
Also Read: Bushra Ansari Defends Late Actress Ayesha Khan’s Children Amid Online Criticism
She alleges that the verbal abuse from the former MNA was a reaction to her efforts in curbing corruption. “Neither the law nor our society allows such vile language against women,” she said.
Hasan Ara further claimed that some individuals in the office, under political pressure, were interfering in her authority to manipulate PTC funds.
She emphasized that the salary discrepancies amounted to Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per fake teacher per month.
She has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation by the Education Department and the district administration into the former MNA's conduct.
Vowing to continue working with integrity, she said, “As long as I’m posted in Bajaur, I will uphold the law and my conscience.”
In response to the incident, the entire female staff of the education office, along with GIGA Bajaur’s District General Secretary Najmuddin, have announced a complete strike. They stated that offices will remain closed until the investigation concludes.
On the other hand, Gul Zafar Khan has rejected all allegations in his statement to TNN, claiming that an inquiry is already underway against the female DEO. “She is trying to shield herself by defaming me,” he said.
He insisted that he aims to expose corruption in the education department and will not be blackmailed by such “propaganda.”
The former MNA alleged that a mafia within the department is attempting to undermine his efforts, but vowed not to back down.
.jpeg)
