Punjab Auqaf penalizes officials over misconduct

Reaffirming the Punjab Government's commitment to transparency accountability, and good governance, the Auqaf department

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, the Auqaf Department Punjab has taken strict disciplinary action against several officials and employees after departmental inquiries established charges of gross negligence, financial misconduct, and misuse of authority. Acting under the provisions of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006, Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, approved the imposition of final penalties following the completion of due legal and administrative proceedings.

According to official details, the disciplinary measures are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional accountability, improve financial oversight, and ensure that all officials perform their responsibilities in accordance with the law and established procedures. The Auqaf Department has reiterated its resolve to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while dealing firmly with any violation of official rules or misuse of public resources.

One of the major cases involved the theft of cash from the donation boxes at the Shrine of Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah (RA) in Kasur. To investigate the incident, a high-level inquiry committee comprising the Director General Religious Affairs and the Director Finance/Deputy Secretary was constituted. After conducting a detailed investigation, examining the available evidence, and reviewing the relevant records, the committee confirmed the theft of cash amounting to Rs. 1,318,955 and fixed responsibility in accordance with departmental rules.

Following the completion of the inquiry, the accused officials were provided an opportunity to present their defense during a personal hearing conducted by the Additional Secretary (Administration). After carefully reviewing the inquiry findings, documentary evidence, and recommendations submitted by both the inquiry committee and the hearing officer, the competent authority finalized the disciplinary proceedings.

Former Auqaf Manager Kasur, Tariq Mahmood Najmi, has been directed to deposit Rs. 1,318,955 with the department as recovery of the financial loss caused to the public exchequer. In addition, he, along with former supervisors Muhammad Riaz and Muhammad Sharif, and former watchman Muhammad Ramzan, has been awarded the penalty of forfeiture of five years of service. Furthermore, all four officials have been permanently disqualified from handling cash or being posted at shrine establishments in the future, ensuring stronger safeguards against financial irregularities.

In another disciplinary matter, the department also concluded proceedings against former Auqaf Manager Jhang, Munir Ahmad Jam. An inquiry conducted by the Director Estate revealed that the officer had exceeded his delegated authority by increasing the lease amount of more than 105 acres of Waqf agricultural land situated in Faisalabad Zone by 10 percent without obtaining prior approval from the competent authority. After a personal hearing conducted by the Director Administration, the allegations were substantiated, resulting in the penalty of withholding one annual increment.

The Auqaf Department emphasized that these disciplinary actions demonstrate its unwavering commitment to financial discipline, institutional integrity, transparency, and accountability. The department reaffirmed its policy of zero tolerance toward corruption, negligence, abuse of authority, and administrative irregularities, adding that strict action will continue to be taken against any official found violating departmental rules or compromising public trust. Such measures, the department stated, are essential to protecting public assets, strengthening governance, and ensuring efficient management of Auqaf institutions across Punjab.