Punjab anti-corruption drive nets 52 suspects, Rs45 million bribe recovered

Officials said the campaign is being conducted under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Director General ACE Sohail Zafar Chattha, with the department

LAHORE: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab has intensified its province-wide crackdown against corruption, with authorities reporting the arrest of 52 suspects through targeted sting operations.

Officials said the campaign is being conducted under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Director General ACE Sohail Zafar Chattha, with the department adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery and misuse of official authority.

In a major operation described by officials as a test case for the campaign, a jail superintendent was arrested on allegations of accepting a Rs4.5 crore bribe from an overseas Pakistani in connection with the issuance of a clearance NOC for a housing society.

ACE officials said the entire alleged bribe amount was recovered during the operation. Investigators also traced the money to the purchase of a Tank SUV and an MG hybrid vehicle, while Rs1 crore in cash was reportedly recovered from the accused.

Following the operation, the accused was sent to judicial custody. In a symbolic development, ACE officials returned the recovered vehicles, cash and keys to the complainant during a press briefing in Lahore.

The overseas Pakistani expressed appreciation for the swift action, saying the recovery had strengthened his confidence in Pakistan’s institutions and encouraged overseas citizens to continue investing in the country.

ACE officials said the operation demonstrates their intention to pursue corruption cases through evidence-based sting operations and recover alleged illegal proceeds wherever possible.

The department has pledged to continue its province-wide campaign and make information about raids, arrests and recoveries public as part of its stated commitment to transparency and accountability.