The Punjab Auqaf Department has uncovered an alleged theft involving millions of rupees from donation boxes at Data Darbar in Lahore. The discovery has led to disciplinary action against officials and prompted wider reforms to improve financial transparency at shrines across the province.
According to the department, two managers have been removed from their positions following the investigation. Authorities have also ordered the recovery of Rs12.5 million linked to the alleged embezzlement.
The incident has raised concerns about the management of public donations collected at Data Darbar, one of Pakistan’s most visited religious shrines. Officials say the government is taking immediate steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response, the Punjab government has decided to introduce a digital monitoring system for donation boxes installed at shrines throughout the province. The new system aims to improve oversight of cash collections and reduce the risk of financial irregularities.
Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said donations placed in shrine collection boxes are a sacred trust. He stressed that every contribution should be managed with complete honesty, responsibility, and accountability.
The minister expressed regret that theft from donation boxes had continued in previous years. He said the government is committed to eliminating corruption within the Auqaf Department and strengthening financial controls.
According to the minister, digitising the cash collection process will make monitoring more effective. It will also help reduce opportunities for misappropriation and improve transparency in handling charitable donations.
Officials believe the digital monitoring system will provide better oversight of funds collected at Data Darbar and other shrines. The technology is expected to improve record-keeping and support faster detection of suspicious activities.
The Auqaf Department plans to expand the system across Punjab as part of broader governance reforms. Authorities say the initiative will help protect public donations and increase confidence in the management of shrine funds.
The department has also launched a wider crackdown on financial irregularities at shrines throughout the province. Officials say additional inspections and accountability measures will be introduced where necessary.
The alleged theft has highlighted the importance of stronger internal controls within the Auqaf Department. Authorities hope the latest reforms will improve financial discipline and ensure donations are used for their intended purposes.
Government officials maintain that protecting charitable contributions remains a top priority. They say the planned reforms will strengthen accountability while preserving public trust in religious institutions.
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement at Data Darbar is continuing. Further action may be taken if additional evidence emerges during the inquiry.
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With disciplinary measures already underway and a digital monitoring system set to be introduced, the Punjab government aims to improve transparency in donation management. Officials believe these steps will help safeguard charitable funds and reduce the risk of future financial misconduct at shrines across the province.
