Forensic audit sought of Lahore Press Club grants and membership

Transparency surrounding the finances and membership of the Lahore Press Club (LPC) has come under scrutiny after Advocate Shahbaz Akmal

LAHORE: Transparency surrounding the finances and membership of the Lahore Press Club (LPC) has come under scrutiny after Advocate Shahbaz Akmal submitted an application to the Secretary Information and Culture, Government of Punjab, seeking a comprehensive forensic audit of the institution’s public funding and a review of the professional credentials of a large number of its members.

According to a copy of the application obtained by Minute Mirror, the lawyer has requested an independent examination of grants and financial assistance allegedly provided to the press club by the Punjab government, federal government and other public institutions over the past 10 years.

The application raises questions about the amount of public funds received by the LPC, their utilization and the beneficiaries of various expenditures.

Demand for 10-year financial audit

Advocate Shahbaz Akmal has called for a third-party forensic audit covering the last decade. The proposed audit would examine grants, special allocations and other financial assistance provided to the press club from public funds.

The application seeks year-wise details of the amounts received and expenditure made under different heads, including journalists’ welfare, development projects, health-related facilities, renovations and other activities.

It also asks authorities to determine whether the funds were utilized for their stated purposes and to identify beneficiaries of contracts and other major expenditures.

The application does not itself establish that public funds were misused; rather, it calls for an independent audit to determine how the money was received and spent.

Scrutiny of around 400 members sought

The second major request concerns the membership of the Lahore Press Club.

The application alleges that around 400 members may not be full-time professional journalists and may be engaged in other professions or businesses, including trading, property-related activities, content creation or government employment.

Advocate Shahbaz Akmal has asked the Information Department to verify the professional status of these members, including their employment, affiliation with media organisations and sources of income from journalism.

The application argues that such scrutiny is necessary to determine whether all members meet the professional criteria applicable to press club membership.

Questions over membership and public funding

The application also refers to concerns reportedly raised within sections of the journalist community regarding the admission of individuals who may not be working as professional journalists.

It alleges that questions have been raised over whether membership has, at times, been used to strengthen electoral support during Lahore Press Club elections. These claims remain allegations and would require verification through the relevant records and an independent inquiry.

Another issue raised is the potential conflict of interest where individuals involved in private businesses also hold press credentials. The application argues that professional standards and public confidence require clear separation between journalism and private commercial interests.

Possible government response

The Secretary Information and Culture Punjab could seek relevant financial and membership records from the Lahore Press Club and determine whether a preliminary inquiry or detailed audit is warranted.

The applicant has also suggested examination of the club’s grants and membership records by an independent auditing body or other competent authority.

Speaking to Minute Mirror, Advocate Shahbaz Akmal said his application was aimed at improving transparency and strengthening the credibility of journalism rather than targeting any particular individual or group.

“This is about transparency. Public money must be accounted for, and journalism must remain in the hands of professional journalists,” he said.

The Lahore Press Club management has not, so far, issued an official response to the application. Minute Mirror will publish its position if and when it is received.