Officials penalised after Bibi Pak Daman shrine inquiry

LAHORE: The Punjab Auqaf Department has imposed disciplinary penalties on several former officials of the shrine of Hazrat Bibi Pak Daman after an inquiry found financial irregularities in the handling of devotees’ donations, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a department spokesman, the action was taken under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006. The disciplinary proceedings were launched on the directions of the Auqaf Board and Provincial Minister for Auqaf Chaudhry Shafay Hussain.

The spokesman said the inquiry findings were reviewed by Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta, who approved the penalties as the competent authority. The inquiry concluded that irregularities had taken place in the management of Nazranas, or public donations, entrusted to the shrine, prompting departmental action against the officials held responsible.

Former shrine manager Zahid Iqbal was given a major penalty, including forfeiture of five years of past service and a recovery order of Rs5.39 million. The inquiry held him responsible for financial losses caused by serious negligence, unusual revenue patterns, and failure to carry out and document mandatory inspections.