Punjab Food department registers 194 corruption cases, dismisses 77 officials and recovers Rs79.96 crore

The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department has intensified its action against alleged corruption and misconduct

LAHORE:  The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department has intensified its action against alleged corruption and misconduct within its ranks, with official data showing that 194 corruption-related cases have been registered since January 1, 2026.

According to data released by the department, departmental proceedings have been completed in 189 of the 194 cases registered during the period. The cases involved allegations of corruption and other irregularities and were dealt with under the department’s disciplinary procedures.

The official figures show that major penalties were imposed in 77 cases, while minor penalties were awarded in another 112 cases. The minor punishments include measures such as stoppage of annual increments, according to the department.

The department said the major disciplinary action resulted in the dismissal of more than 77 officers and officials from service. The action represents one of the department’s significant internal accountability drives during the current year.

Alongside disciplinary proceedings, the department has also reported substantial financial recoveries linked to the cases. According to official figures, a total of Rs79 crore 96 lakh and 44 thousand has been recovered during the anti-corruption proceedings.

The department has further referred cases for criminal proceedings, with 20 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered with the Anti-Corruption Department. The FIRs will allow the relevant authorities to proceed with further investigation and legal action under applicable laws.

Officials said the measures form part of a broader effort by the Price Control and Commodities Management Department Punjab and the Punjab Food Authority to strengthen transparency, accountability and administrative oversight in the food safety and commodities management system.

The crackdown comes as government departments responsible for food regulation and consumer protection face the task of ensuring that enforcement mechanisms operate without abuse of authority or financial irregularities.

According to officials, the disciplinary action covers cases dealt with through departmental proceedings, while cases referred to the Anti-Corruption Department are subject to the separate legal process applicable to criminal investigations.

The department has reiterated that its policy towards corruption remains one of zero tolerance. Officials said action would continue against officers and officials found responsible for violations following due process.

The latest figures indicate that the department has pursued both administrative and criminal avenues in response to alleged wrongdoing. Departmental penalties have included major and minor punishments, while cases considered to warrant criminal proceedings have been referred to the Anti-Corruption Department.

The reported recovery of nearly Rs80 crore also forms a significant component of the department’s accountability measures. Officials said financial recoveries would continue to be pursued wherever government funds or other public resources were found to have been affected.

The department’s data, however, represents cases registered and decided during the specified period and does not by itself establish guilt in every individual case beyond the findings or legal proceedings applicable to each matter.

Officials have maintained that the ongoing campaign is intended to improve institutional discipline, protect public resources and strengthen public confidence in the food safety and consumer protection system.

The Punjab Food Department has said that the anti-corruption drive will continue and that further action will be taken against officials found involved in corruption or other violations in accordance with the law and departmental rules.