KOHAT – The imposition of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has renewed focus on the possible revival and strengthening of the Governor’s Inspection Team (GIT), an institution that has remained largely inactive in recent years but could regain a more prominent role in monitoring government departments, scrutinising development projects and investigating public complaints.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called for strengthening the team’s inspection and inquiry mechanisms, directing the relevant authorities to fill vacant posts without delay, expedite the submission of inquiry reports and improve procedures to enhance transparency, accountability and administrative performance.
The renewed attention follows the Governor’s decision to assign an inquiry to the GIT after receiving complaints alleging that soil and sand had been mixed with stored wheat and that wheat allocated to the province had gone missing.
Acting on the complaints, the team inspected a government wheat storage warehouse in Azakhel, on the outskirts of Peshawar, on Sunday. The GIT has yet to submit its findings, and the allegations remain unverified pending completion of the inquiry.
The inspection has brought the institution back into focus amid expectations that a broader review of its mandate, administrative capacity and jurisdiction could help determine its future role in provincial governance.
During a recent meeting at the Governor House, GIT Chairman Mukhtiar Ahmad and Member (General) Arshad Khan Afridi briefed Governor Kundi on the institution’s mandate, administrative structure and previous inspections and inquiries involving government departments and public-sector universities.
The meeting also examined proposals to improve the team’s effectiveness. The Governor stressed the need to address staff shortages, ensure timely completion of inquiries and strengthen inspection procedures to improve the functioning of public institutions.
Institutional mandate under review
Established in 1976 following approval by the President of Pakistan and a notification issued by the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) on May 5 that year, the GIT was initially known as the Inspection Team for the Agent to the President/Governor of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). Its expenses were borne by the federal government, according to available information.
Its duties, functions and rules were subsequently clarified through government notifications issued on September 21, 1976, May 13, 1986, and again in 2012.
Over the years, the team came to be described as the Governor’s “eyes and ears”, with responsibilities that included inspecting government offices and development projects, examining official records, investigating complaints and identifying administrative shortcomings within its authorised jurisdiction.
The institution historically played a significant role in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where the administrative and constitutional framework differed from that of the settled districts. Its work included monitoring development schemes, examining expenditure and official records, and conducting inquiries into complaints concerning government departments and institutions on the Governor’s directions.
Its historical mandate also extended to certain federal institutions operating in the province and public-sector universities falling within the Governor’s jurisdiction as Chancellor.
The team was tasked with examining allegations of corruption, malpractice and other irregularities, assessing the quality and progress of development projects, and recommending corrective measures to improve administrative efficiency and accountability.
However, the extent of its current authority remains subject to applicable laws, amendments and government notifications. Its historical responsibilities do not necessarily mean that all its former powers remain intact.
FATA merger, university powers altered scope
The merger of the former FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018 significantly changed the administrative environment in which the GIT had traditionally operated. As the provincial legal and administrative framework extended to the merged districts, the responsibilities of various institutions evolved, affecting the context and scope of the team’s operations.
Public-sector universities subsequently emerged as another important area of the GIT’s work. The team conducted inquiries into university affairs on the directions of the Governor in his capacity as Chancellor, particularly in cases involving complaints.
However, the provincial government reportedly withdrew the Governor’s powers as Chancellor of public-sector universities in January 2025, further affecting the institutional basis for the GIT’s involvement in university-related matters.
The precise implications of these changes depend on the relevant legislation and official notifications. The renewed focus on the team has therefore also highlighted the need to clarify its present jurisdiction, authority and relationship with other oversight institutions.
KP Governor’s rule: The real test
The renewed emphasis on the GIT has raised expectations that it could play a more active role in addressing public grievances, monitoring development expenditure and examining suspected irregularities in government departments and other institutions falling within its lawful jurisdiction.
An adequately staffed and professionally equipped team could help identify weaknesses in project implementation, investigate administrative failures and recommend corrective measures where irregularities are established.
The Azakhel wheat warehouse inspection has underscored the importance of responding promptly to complaints involving public resources and essential food supplies. However, allegations of adulteration or missing stocks must be investigated transparently, with responsibility determined only on the basis of verified evidence.
Filling vacant posts, securing access to official records, adopting transparent inspection procedures and ensuring follow-up on inquiry findings will be essential to the institution’s performance. Its credibility will ultimately depend on impartial investigations, evidence-based conclusions and appropriate action by the competent authorities.
While Governor’s Rule may provide fresh administrative impetus for reviewing the GIT’s role, it does not automatically expand the team’s legal powers. Any extension or clarification of its mandate would require the relevant legal and administrative measures.