PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities involving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sehat Card Plus programme.
The bureau has summoned former programme chief executive Dr Muhammad Riaz Tanoli to appear before investigators on October 29, 2026.
According to media reports, the inquiry concerns public funds, hospital payment claims and possible discrepancies in programme records. Investigators are seeking financial documents to examine how billions of rupees were allocated and spent.
The inquiry focuses on the management of public money under the province’s health insurance programme. However, the allegations have not been proven, and the investigation has not established criminal responsibility.
NAB Examines Rs21 Billion in Sehat Card Funds
Investigators are reviewing financial records covering two separate periods. These include Rs12 billion reportedly allocated during the 2023–24 financial year.
The bureau is also examining another Rs9 billion covering the period from July 2025 to July 2026.
Together, the amounts total Rs21 billion.
The review aims to establish whether the funds were released and spent according to approved financial procedures. Investigators are also examining supporting records for expenditure and payments made under the programme.
The amount under scrutiny does not mean that Rs21 billion has been proven to be misappropriated. The purpose of the inquiry is to examine the transactions and determine whether any financial wrongdoing occurred.
Duplicate Cards and Hospital Claims Under Scrutiny
NAB is also examining alleged discrepancies in beneficiary records and hospital payment claims.
According to reports, investigators are seeking information about possible duplicate Sehat Cards and claims that may not have received proper verification.
Hospital payments are another key area of the inquiry. Investigators want to establish whether high-value medical claims were checked before payments were approved.
The review may help determine whether the programme’s verification procedures and financial controls were followed.
Any suspected irregularities will need to be assessed against the relevant records and supporting evidence.
NAB Requests Bank Statements and Audit Reports
As part of the inquiry, investigators have reportedly requested several financial and administrative documents.
These include bank statements, audit reports, vendor agreements, beneficiary lists and asset declarations.
The records are expected to help investigators trace financial transactions and review payments made under the health insurance scheme.
Vendor agreements may also provide information about contractual arrangements and payments to service providers. Meanwhile, beneficiary records could help investigators examine how programme data was maintained and verified.
The bureau will need to assess the documents before drawing conclusions about any alleged irregularities.
What Is the KP Sehat Card Plus Programme?
The Sehat Card Plus programme provides eligible residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with access to covered medical treatment through participating hospitals.
The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families and improve access to medical services.
Its operations involve public funding, beneficiary records and payments to hospitals for eligible treatments.
The programme has previously received public attention over funding requirements, hospital payments and the management of healthcare services. The latest inquiry has renewed focus on financial oversight and accountability.
However, the current allegations must be assessed separately from earlier concerns or disputes involving the programme.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
NAB has asked Dr Riaz Tanoli to appear before its investigators on October 29, 2026, according to the reported notice.
Investigators are expected to examine the requested financial records and other relevant documents as the inquiry progresses.
The findings will depend on the evidence collected and the bureau’s assessment of the transactions under review.
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At this stage, the inquiry does not establish that Dr Tanoli or any other individual has committed a crime. Further official statements may clarify the scope of the investigation and any subsequent action.
