A theft of crores of rupees from cash donation boxes at the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore has been uncovered, prompting the demotion of two managers.
Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Chaudhry Shafi Hussain emphasised that income generated from donations is a sacred trust, stressing that the Auqaf Department is committed to rooting out all forms of corruption to ensure that the sanctity of the contributions is maintained.
To prevent further theft and improve transparency, the provincial government has now decided to fully digitise all cash collection boxes installed at shrines across the province.
The decision follows broader disciplinary measures taken by the Auqaf Board earlier this year. In June 2026, authorities initiated action against five senior officials and staff members at Data Darbar following inquiries into the misappropriation of devotee offerings.
Under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, penalties included the recovery of more than Rs 20 million, dismissals, demotions, and permanent bans from sensitive cash-handling positions for individuals including former Administrator Sheikh Jameel Ahmed, former Manager Tahir Maqsood, and former Stenographer Saqib Naseem.
