Ministry’s Denial Collapses as Explosive New Evidence Links Secretary Ali Sher Mehsud to Billion-Rupee Scandals, Frontmen Mafia and Systematic Abuse of Authority”
By Rana Tasaddaq Hussain
ISLAMABAD — The Ministry of Communications has officially dismissed allegations of mega corruption, embezzlement, contract manipulation, and asset misuse against its serving Secretary, Ali Sher Mehsud, but a flood of new disclosures coming from inside the National Highway Authority (NHA) itself has now torn apart that denial.
The case has rapidly escalated beyond an anonymous complaint.
Multiple NHA insiders, officers, and field staff have independently confirmed that the “methods, names, channels and modus operandi mentioned in the complaint” match longstanding patterns of financial misconduct linked to Mehsud patterns that go back over a decade.
Billion-Rupee Emergency Funds Released on Verbal Orders
The controversy erupted after a detailed application began circulating in NHA offices, alleging that Mehsud ordered the release of billions of rupees from the road maintenance budget by declaring “emergency works” a loophole frequently abused to bypass PPRA rules, competitive bidding, and technical vetting.
According to the document:
Funds were released without written approvals.
Regional GMs were allegedly pressured to comply.
A network of “preferred contractors” in KP, Gilgit, Lahore, Multan and Karachi allegedly received huge payments without documentation.
Frontmen Mafia: Fazal Mahsood & Imran Dar Named Again
The complaint explicitly names two individuals widely believed to be Mehsud’s frontmen:
Fazal Mahsood
Imran Dar
Both men have allegedly been collecting millions in “contract adjustment money”, negotiating deals with regional offices, and ensuring that handpicked contractors receive work without tenders.
NHA insiders say:
> “Everyone knows these two are roaming around NHA as if they are Directors. They collect files, relay instructions, and settle deals. They are the Secretary’s extension.”
The Ministry calls the allegations “baseless.”
NHA officers call them “routine knowledge.”
Ministry in Denial But Internal Voices Reject the Cover-up
MoC spokesperson Farina Mughal termed the complaint “fake” due to the lack of signatures and claimed no such application reached Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan.
But officers inside NHA refute this narrative.
An NHA official told this correspondent:
> “This is not fiction. The names, the regions, the pattern of payments — it all aligns with what we have been seeing for months. These allegations are not entirely baseless. They demand an immediate inquiry.”
A Decade of Controversies: Mehsud’s Track Record is Already Stained
This is not the officer’s first brush with corruption allegations.
Mehsud has previously faced:
Multiple NAB inquiries, including:
Illegal give-and-take operations at the M-1 Motorway Service Area.
Alleged embezzlement in the Rs1 billion FATA Solar Power Project, where he served as GM Finance.
Repeated complaints from NHA officers regarding:
Administrative irregularities,
Manipulated postings,
Abuse of authority.
Twice superseded for BS-22
Mehsud was twice denied promotion to Grade-22, both under PTI and PDM, after integrity-related objections were raised by vetting forums.
Instead of contesting in court as senior officers typically do he allegedly sought backdoor channels to secure his elevation.
Three Fresh Scandals Tighten the Grip Around the Secretary
The latest disclosures spotlight three major scandals tied directly to him:
1. M-1 Service Area O&M Contract
Awarded allegedly through non-transparent give-and-take, now believed to be under NAB’s renewed scrutiny.
2. Naran Maintenance Unit Scam
As Officiating Member Administration, Mehsud allegedly approved the handover of NHA’s Maintenance Unit & Rest House at Naran to a highly questionable private party.
Even senior NHA officers were stunned.
3. Murree GPO Handed Over for Restaurant Conversion
As Secretary Postal Services Division, Mehsud allegedly authorized the handover of the historic Murree GPO to private operators for use as a restaurant without the approval of federal or provincial authorities.
The building was sealed on direct instructions of:
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif,
Supported by the GOC and Station Commander Murree.
Sources say this incident alone “speaks volumes about the officer’s mindset.
Massive Financial, Moral & Ethical Corruption Inside the Ministry
Multiple senior officers and staff members speaking on condition of anonymity have confirmed that the incumbent Secretary is allegedly involved in:
1. Massive Financial Corruption
Direct interference in multi-billion-rupee contracts
Preferential releases to certain contractors
Frequent cash-based settlements through frontmen
Pressure on regional offices to create “emergency liabilities” for later payments
2. Moral Corruption
Officers allege:
Abuse of office for personal engagements
Misuse of government resources for private entertainment
Selection of compliant officers to protect irregular activities
Maintenance of an inner circle used for influence brokering
3. Ethical & Professional Corruption
Destruction of meritocracy inside MoC and NHA
Posting and transferring officers on verbal orders
Forcing approvals without documentation
Manipulating inquiries and internal audits
Misusing government vehicles, guest houses, and official staff for personal benefits
Multiple officers describe Mehsud’s modus operandi as:
> “An ecosystem where every rule is bent, every file is influenced, and every officer is pressured to protect the Secretary’s interests.”
Institution Under Pressure — Public Trust at Risk
With billions in annual development and maintenance funds at stake, the unexplained denial by the Ministry has further deepened concerns.
NHA insiders warn:
> “If these allegations are buried again, it will destroy the credibility of the entire communications sector.”
They urge the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister, and NAB to initiate an independent, high-powered investigation.