Corruption of Rs 1.5b uncovered in Punjab Shrines managed by Auqaf
LAHORE: A special audit report has uncovered alleged embezzlement and corruption worth Rs 1.5 billion in various shrines managed by the Auqaf Department in Punjab.
The report reveals that Rs 860 million was withdrawn from the accounts of Lahore’s Data Darbar during the financial years 2015 to 2018. The funds were involved in 33 transactions, but there is no record of how the money was spent, according to the findings.
In addition, the report highlights 48 suspicious transactions amounting to Rs 190 million in the accounts of Pakpattan Sharif Darbar.
The audit also pointed to alleged fraud in the rental income of over 600 commercial shops owned by Auqaf in Jhang and Okara, with an estimated loss of Rs 135 million. Furthermore, the report revealed that hundreds of kanals of commercial properties were leased for just Rs 1 per year for a term of 99 years.
The funds of Baba Farid Darbar are also under scrutiny, with an alleged withdrawal of Rs 35 million from its accounts. The audit report has recommended a thorough investigation into the financial activities of the Auqaf Department.
Hum News is awaiting a response from the Punjab Auqaf Department regarding the findings of the report.