ISLAMABAD – Two months ago, senior police officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received a highly confidential memo from the Federal Ministry of Interior, revealing the dangerous influence of the Khawaraj network in Peshawar and Mardan central prisons. The memo stated that nearly 401 Khawaraji inmates were in direct contact with Afghan commanders via mobile phones, coordinating extortion rackets and overseeing the network. It also highlighted collusion within the prison staff, who allegedly facilitated easy exits upon inmates’ release.
In the past, escape incidents from Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan prisons were traced back to these phone connections. The memo instructed immediate action: replace the superintendents, transfer blacklisted inmates to other provinces, install jammers, and ensure daily inspections by security forces to prevent any serious incidents. However, two months later, a notification reversed the fate of these very officers Mohammed Waseem Khan was reposted in Peshawar, and Najam Hussain Abbasi was posted as DIG, Inspectorate of Prisons—the same officers removed earlier due to failures and administrative weaknesses highlighted in the confidential memo. This turn of events has sparked public concern and raises troubling questions: if the Khawaraji network was truly active, what logic justified reinstating these officers to high-profile, sensitive positions? Was there political or bureaucratic pressure behind this decision? .
The continuity of such appointments also suggests that claims of prison reform and accountability remain largely on paper, as evidence of practical implementation of the memo’s instructions remains scarce. The officers’ promotions now cast serious doubts on transparency and accountability. If the network within the prisons was indeed dangerous, these administrative lapses have not reduced the threat; rather, weaknesses within the system have potentially increased risks to public safety. The process has left journalists, human rights organizations, and the public questioning whether this is genuine institutional reform or simply a protective game for senior officials. The Khawaraji network’s influence remains, and stakeholders are awaiting clear, transparent action to determine whether the threats outlined in the confidential memo were addressed seriously or merely reported.
Meanwhile, the issue of officer postings in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prison Department has sparked another emerging controversy: junior officers being posted to senior positions. In Dera Ismail Khan, Superintendent Ejaz Mehsud was assigned to the Central Jail despite having served less than a year in BS 19. Sources indicate that this appointment was facilitated because he provided the IG Prisons’ brother, Siraj Mehsud, with official jail vehicles, a government residence, and two jail wardens — a benefit that seemingly guaranteed his posting. Similarly, in District Jail Kohat, a BS 17 officer, Mohtasim, was posted to Superintendent at BS 18 after only two years of service.
In Hangu District Jail, Tahir, also BS 17, was elevated to BS 18. In Nowshera District Jail, a BS 16 officer, Sadaat, was posted to BS 17, despite a report by DIG Prisons Qaiser Khan indicating that the staff was openly involved in corruption; yet, the matter stalled on the IG Prisons’ desk. In Abbottabad Jail, Superintendent Junaid faced allegations from intelligence agencies that inmates were planning attacks on Chinese nationals using mobile SIMs and phones. DIG Hamid Azam was tasked to raid the jail, and phones and SIMs were recovered that confirmed espionage activities against CPEC Chinese personnel. Yet, once the inquiry reached the IG Prisons, the matter ended with merely a warning. According to sources, evidence implicates the IG Prisons in all these irregularities and corruption. The entire sequence of events exposes a lack of transparency, absence of accountability, and the continuing political and administrative influence exercised by senior officials in the Prison Department. Attempts were made to contact Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Additional Chief Secretary Abid Majeed regarding the matter. A WhatsApp message was also sent to both officials, but no response was received. Their silence suggests that they may either feel helpless in this situation or are bound by certain constraints. However, if they wish to share their comments after the publication of this story, the organization will certainly include their statement.
