Punjab Auqaf Department opens inquiry into alleged irregularities at Data Darbar

Lahore: The Punjab Auqaf Department has started an inquiry into alleged irregularities at Data Darbar and has issued show-cause notices to a number of former and serving officials.

According to the details available in the inquiry, the process was initiated after a report received on March 9 pointed to discrepancies related to the shrine’s income, collections from donation boxes and administrative affairs.

The officials named in the inquiry are former administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed, former caretakers Muhammad Sharif and Noor Hussain, as well as Tahir Maqsood and Saqib Naseem.

Income and donation box figures under review

The report cited variations in the shrine’s income across different periods. The changes ranged from a decline of 32.95 per cent to an increase of 72.23%.

It also recorded that the amount collected from donation boxes stood at about Rs4.48 million during one period and later rose to Rs7.56 million.

In addition, on some occasions, discrepancies of as much as 50% were suspected during the counting of donated cash. These differences were noted between the figures entered in records and the actual receipts.

Administrative concerns highlighted

Besides financial matters, the report also referred to administrative issues. Some officials were alleged to have gone beyond their authority by involving unauthorised individuals in official matters.

The same report further alleged that administrative and financial decisions were made in violation of established rules, affecting institutional discipline.

The inquiry has been ordered by Auqaf Chief Administrator Dr Ehsan Bhutta. Under his directions, all officials named in the matter have been asked to submit written replies within seven days.

The inquiry officer has also been directed to complete the proceedings and submit a report within 60 days.

The development marks a formal departmental review of the management and financial handling at one of Lahore’s most prominent shrines, with the inquiry focusing on both revenue-related discrepancies and alleged breaches of administrative procedure as identified in the report received by the department.