A newly released audit report has exposed serious financial discrepancies amounting to more than Rs 1.5 billion in funds allocated for the upkeep of shrines across Punjab, all overseen by the Auqaf Department.
The findings reveal that Rs 860 million remain unaccounted for from the Data Darbar’s financial records between 2015 and 2018, with 33 transactions showing no supporting documentation.
Similarly, at Pakpattan Sharif Darbar, auditors flagged 48 questionable transactions totaling Rs 190 million, raising further concerns over fund mismanagement.
The report also pointed to losses in other districts. In Jhang and Okara, about Rs 13.5 million went missing from the rent collections of over 600 commercial shops tied to Auqaf properties. Additionally, the audit disclosed that hundreds of kanals of prime commercial land had been leased for as low as Rs 1 per year under 99-year contracts, signaling potential favoritism or foul play.
At Baba Farid Darbar, the report noted suspected embezzlement of Rs 35 million from allocated funds.
The audit panel has called for a comprehensive investigation into the Auqaf Department’s financial dealings. As of now, the department has not issued any official clarification regarding the audit findings.
