Punjab chief secretary upholds penalties in Data Darbar graft case

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman has rejected appeals by two former officials of Data Darbar against penalties imposed for misappropriation of cash-box collections, upholding a combined recovery of over Rs20.59 million.

The final appellate order, dated September 24, 2026, was issued under Section 16 of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006, according to Minute Mirror, which obtained the document.

Former administrator Jameel Ahmed, also referred to as Jamil Ahmad, has had his rank and pay scale reduced for five years, forfeited five years of past service, and been ordered to pay Rs9,265,800. Former manager Tahir Maqsood has been dismissed from service and must pay Rs11,324,867.

The punishments were originally imposed on June 2, 2026, by the chief administrator of Auqaf Punjab. Dawn reported the department secretary had imposed those penalties; Minute Mirror cited orders numbered 2836 and 2837.

The Auqaf department began investigating after officials noticed a sustained decline in cash-box collections at the shrine. Collections increased after central monitoring and headquarters oversight were introduced, prompting a formal inquiry. A two-member committee of the director general religious affairs and director finance examined the matter.

The inquiry found three of four major charges fully proved and one partially proved, Minute Mirror reported. The allegations included unauthorised withdrawal of cash-box collections, alleged misuse or leakage of CCTV footage, failure to deposit daily collections, and irregularities in cash-box opening records.

During the appeals, the two officials said the fall in collections reflected lower visitor numbers and that cash boxes were opened in the presence of the relevant committee. They also asked why other staff involved in cash handling had not been proceeded against.

The appellate order stated that documentary evidence, visitor statistics and bank records had not been produced to support these claims, so the defences were not accepted.

The officials may now challenge the decision before the Punjab Service Tribunal. Further action may depend on recovery proceedings and any decision on possible criminal proceedings, Minute Mirror noted.