The Punjab Auqaf Department has uncovered an alleged case of financial misconduct involving the donation boxes at Data Darbar in Lahore, where millions of rupees are suspected to have been misappropriated. The discovery has led to disciplinary action against officials and prompted the provincial government to strengthen oversight of donations collected at shrines across Punjab.
Following an internal investigation, the department removed two managers from their positions over their alleged involvement in the case. Authorities have also ordered the recovery of Rs. 12.5 million, which is believed to be linked to the reported embezzlement of public donations.
In the wake of the incident, the Punjab government has announced plans to introduce a digital monitoring system for donation boxes installed at Data Darbar and other shrines throughout the province. The new system is intended to improve transparency, strengthen financial oversight, and reduce the risk of theft or misuse of charitable funds.
Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, said that money donated by visitors at Data Darbar and other religious sites is a sacred trust that must be managed with complete honesty and accountability. He emphasized that every contribution should be used for its intended purpose and handled in a transparent manner.
The minister acknowledged that incidents of theft from shrine donation boxes had occurred in the past and expressed the government’s commitment to eliminating corruption within the Auqaf Department. He said strict action would continue against anyone found involved in financial irregularities.
According to the minister, digitizing the cash collection process will allow authorities to monitor donations more effectively, minimize opportunities for embezzlement, and improve public confidence in the management of charitable funds.
The Punjab Auqaf Department is expected to roll out the digital monitoring system at Data Darbar and other shrines across the province as part of broader governance reforms. Officials believe the initiative will help safeguard donations, improve accountability, and ensure that funds contributed by the public are used transparently for religious and welfare
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