Punjab Auqaf Department recovers Rs20.59 Million in Data Darbar donation Scam

The Punjab Auqaf Department launched a large-scale investigation into alleged financial misconduct at Data Darbar after monitoring teams detected unusual patterns in donation collections.

The findings led to a major Data Darbar corruption case involving former officials and shrine staff.

According to official records, donations collected at the shrine increased from Rs4,480,000 to Rs7,560,000 during a six-month monitoring period.

Investigators found the increase unusual because visitor numbers reportedly declined by nearly 50 percent due to construction work at the shrine complex.

The findings triggered a formal probe under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act.

Authorities launched the inquiry to determine whether shrine donation embezzlement had taken place and whether public donations were being properly managed.

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After completing the investigation, the Punjab Auqaf Department ordered the recovery of more than Rs20,590,000 from individuals found responsible for the alleged misuse of funds. Officials described the Data Darbar donation scam as a serious breach of public trust.

Former Data Darbar Administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed was demoted and ordered to repay Rs9,266,000. He was also permanently barred from serving in positions involving cash handling, donation management, or revenue collection.

Former Data Darbar Manager Tahir Maqsood was dismissed from government service and directed to repay Rs11,325,000. Authorities also prohibited him from future field postings within the department as part of the ongoing Data Darbar corruption case.

Former stenographer Saqib Naseem was penalized through the forfeiture of service benefits and barred from serving in sensitive administrative positions.

Meanwhile, former caretaker Muhammad Shareef was cleared of allegations linked to the current Data Darbar donation scam, but separate disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him over another matter.

He has been permanently disqualified from serving at Data Darbar and other major shrines.

Another former caretaker, Noor Hussain, was denied annual increments for three years and barred from future postings at major shrines.

Officials said these measures were necessary to address concerns related to shrine donation embezzlement and strengthen accountability.

Punjab Auqaf Secretary Dr Ehsan Bhutta stated that donations made by devotees carry a sacred responsibility. He emphasized that the government would maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and shrine donation embezzlement at religious institutions.

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Officials added that stronger monitoring systems introduced by the Punjab Auqaf Department have increased transparency and improved the recording of donations at several major shrines.

The Data Darbar corruption case has also renewed calls for stricter oversight of religious institutions across the country.

The latest developments in the Data Darbar donation scam highlight the importance of accountability in managing public donations and preserving public trust in religious organizations.