Dr Muhammad Riaz Tanoli directed to appear on October 29; inquiry focuses on alleged financial irregularities, possible embezzlement and procurement violations
KOHAT, October 19, 2026: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated an inquiry into alleged corruption, financial irregularities, mismanagement and possible embezzlement of public funds allocated to the Sehat Sahulat Programme and Sehat Card Plus, summoning former chief executive officer and chairman Dr Muhammad Riaz Tanoli to appear before its investigation team later this month.
According to a notice issued on October 17, 2026, Dr Tanoli has been directed to appear before the bureau’s Combined Investigation Team (CIT–Medical Wing) at its Hayatabad office in Peshawar on October 29 at 11am in connection with the inquiry into the program’s financial affairs during the relevant period.
The notice states that a preliminary examination of official records, audit logs and fund disbursement details has revealed discrepancies in financial allocations and expenditures, raising concerns about the possible misuse of public funds.
According to the notice, approximately Rs12 billion was disbursed under the health insurance programme during the 2023–24 financial year. A further Rs9 billion was reportedly allocated and disbursed between July 2025 and July 2026. The two amounts total approximately Rs21 billion and are among the financial transactions being examined by the bureau.
NAB is scrutinizing the relevant financial records and transactions to determine whether the funds were handled and utilized in accordance with applicable rules and the program’s objectives.
The notice also points to possible violations of public procurement regulations, including the rules of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPPRA), as well as potential breaches of fiduciary responsibilities and unauthorized diversion of funds earmarked for universal health coverage.
As part of the inquiry, Dr Tanoli has been directed to produce original documents or certified copies of relevant financial records, bank statements, audit reports and beneficiary enrolment criteria. He has also been asked to provide contracts with vendors, agreements with third-party administrators, beneficiary distribution records and his personal asset declarations.
The requested documents are intended to help investigators examine the program’s financial management, beneficiary registration procedures, contractual arrangements and the disbursement and utilization of public funds.
The notice warns that failure to appear without a lawful excuse may result in legal action under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999, and other applicable laws.
The Sehat Sahulat Programme and Sehat Card Plus are public healthcare initiatives designed to facilitate access to medical treatment for eligible beneficiaries through participating hospitals. The inquiry concerns the management and disbursement of funds associated with the programme during the periods specified in the notice.
The allegations remain under investigation and the issuance of a summons does not establish guilt or prove that any funds were misappropriated. Any determination of responsibility will depend on the evidence examined by investigators and the applicable legal process.
