Data Darbar officials face penalties after corruption inquiry

LAHORE: The Auqaf Board has initiated disciplinary action against several senior Data Darbar officials after inquiry reports into alleged corruption and the misappropriation of offerings made by devotees.

According to official sources, the competent authority imposed penalties under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act on five senior officials and staff members. Those named include former Data Darbar administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed, former manager Tahir Maqsood and former stenographer Saqib Naseem, among others.

The disciplinary measures include recovery of more than Rs20 million, demotion, dismissal from service and permanent restrictions on future appointments in field revenue or cash-handling roles.

Penalties imposed on former officials

Former administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed has been reduced from his original post to a lower grade, BS-15, for five years. His previous five years of service have also been forfeited, and he has been directed to deposit Rs9,265,800. In addition, a negative entry will be placed on his service record. He has also been permanently barred from any future posting involving cash handling, management of donations or revenue-generating religious institutions.

Former manager Tahir Maqsood has been dismissed from service. He has also been ordered to deposit Rs11,324,867, described in the inquiry as his alleged 55 percent share of the recovered amount. He has further been permanently disqualified from holding any field posting in the future.

Former stenographer Saqib Naseem has been penalised through forfeiture of four years of service. He has also been barred from postings in sensitive administrative assignments, including confidential branches as well as CCTV and security-related duties.

Action against other staff

Former caretaker supervisor Noor Hussain has been given the punishment of stoppage of annual increments for three years. He has also been permanently restricted from being posted at Data Darbar or at any major revenue-generating shrine.

Another caretaker, Muhammad Sharif, was exonerated in the specific inquiry report. However, he has been directed to face a separate disciplinary proceeding after a viral video allegedly showed him involved in the theft of cash from a devotee at the shrine.

The action follows inquiry reports examined by the Auqaf Board into allegations linked to the handling of offerings at one of Lahore’s most prominent religious sites.