Lahore – July 1, 2025 — A shocking special audit report has uncovered massive corruption within the Punjab Auqaf Department, revealing that over Rs. 1.5 billion allocated for the upkeep of religious shrines across the province is missing, sparking outrage over government priorities and transparency.
According to the report, Rs. 860 million vanished from the accounts of Data Darbar between 2015 and 2018. At least 33 financial transactions had no corresponding expenditure records, raising red flags over systemic mismanagement.
At Pakpattan Sharif, the shrine of Hazrat Baba Farid, auditors flagged 48 dubious transactions totaling Rs. 190 million. Meanwhile, in Jhang and Okara, over Rs. 13.5 million was allegedly lost in the leasing of more than 600 commercial shops. Some leases were granted at shockingly low rates — hundreds of kanals of commercial land given away for Rs. 1 per year for 99 years, suggesting potential collusion and favoritism.
The report also notes that Rs. 35 million went unaccounted for in Baba Farid Darbar’s funds, deepening concerns about institutional corruption in religious endowments.
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Government Priorities Questioned
While the Punjab government remains silent on the matter, public criticism is mounting over the lack of attention to this critical issue. Observers say the current administration, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, appears more focused on cosmetic projects and rebranding campaigns than on tackling financial mismanagement.
“Crores are being spent on self-promotional ads and government image building,” noted a civil society representative, “while institutions meant to safeguard sacred assets are bleeding public funds unchecked.”
With Pakistan already under heavy debt from the IMF and international lenders, this revelation is seen as a slap in the face to the struggling population, grappling with inflation and economic stagnation.
The audit recommends an immediate and thorough investigation into the Auqaf Department’s financial practices. So far, no official response has been issued.
Public Demands Accountability
The exposé has reignited calls for independent anti-corruption oversight, especially in departments managing religious and public assets. Citizens and activists are urging the Punjab government to prioritize transparency over theatrics, and governance over PR campaigns.
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