A special audit report has revealed that funds over Rs 1.5 billion for shrines across Punjab, managed by the Auqaf Department, have gone missing.
The report highlights Rs. 860 million missing from Data Darbar’s accounts between 2015 and 2018, with 33 transactions lacking spending records. At Pakpattan Sharif Darbar, 48 suspicious transactions totaling Rs. 190 million were identified.
In Jhang and Okara, Rs. 13.5 million was allegedly lost in the rent of over 600 commercial shops. The audit also found that hundreds of kanals of commercial property were leased for just Rs. 1 per year for 99 years. Baba Farid Darbar’s funds showed alleged corruption of Rs. 35 million.
The report recommends a full investigation into the Auqaf Department’s accounts. The department has not yet responded.