LAHORE, July 4 — A government audit has revealed significant financial discrepancies in the Auqaf Department’s handling of shrine revenues across Punjab, exposing irregularities amounting to over Rs1 billion between 2015 and 2018.
According to the audit report, Rs860 million are unaccounted for from Data Darbar’s accounts, with 33 separate transactions showing no documented expenditure. At Pakpattan Sharif Darbar, 48 dubious transactions totalling Rs190 million were flagged without appropriate recordkeeping.
In Jhang and Okara, authorities allege a loss of Rs13.5 million related to the rent collection from more than 600 commercial shops. Additionally, hundreds of kanals of commercial land were found to be leased at a nominal rate of just Rs1 per year for 99 years.
At Baba Farid Darbar, the report pointed to potential misappropriation of Rs35 million in shrine funds.
The audit has formally recommended a thorough investigation into the Auqaf Department’s financial records. As of filing, the department has yet to issue an official response to the findings.
