Probe launched into Rs55m Auqaf scam

The Punjab government has initiated departmental proceedings against two former senior officials of the Auqaf department over alleged embezzlement of public funds, following approval from the Chief Secretary.

According to official sources, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, after receiving approval from Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, has ordered an inquiry under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEDA) Act against former Administrator Auqaf (retired) Tahir Raza Bukhari and former Director Estate and Finance Auqaf Punjab Khalid Mahmood Sandhu.

Both officials have been issued show-cause notices in connection with the alleged misappropriation of Rs50 million allocated for the annual Urs celebrations at Data Darbar in 2025, as well as Rs5 million released for Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations during 2024-25.

Sources said the Auqaf department had sought formal permission from the Chief Secretary to initiate proceedings after identifying alleged financial irregularities in the utilization of funds.