Ex-Auqaf secretary, face land deal probe

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has ordered a formal inquiry and disciplinary proceedings against 10 officials of the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, including former secretary Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, over alleged irregularities and an unauthorised auction of valuable waqf land on Ferozepur Road in Sufiabad, Lahore.

Five members of the department's head office committee will also face an inquiry over their alleged role in processing and approving the auction of an additional 15 marlas of land in violation of the prescribed policy.

Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fawad Hashim Rabbani, a Grade 21 officer, has been appointed inquiry officer in the case following approval by the Punjab chief minister in his capacity as the competent authority.