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Tag: Punjab government

  • Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Director of Punjab Local Fund Audit alleged to be involved in corruption case of Rs400 million

    Amir Saeed, a Grade 17 officer working as the director of the Punjab Local Fund Audit Department at a Grade 20 level with the approval of the relevant authorities, is facing allegations of receiving kickbacks while supposedly conducting audits of different local government departments during his tenure from 2019 to 2022, SAMMA has reported. 

    The report indicates that Saeed used his position and influence to dishonestly obtain benefits from officials by employing various deceitful methods, such as making recommendations for officials to attend training programmes, handling pension disbursements, arranging transfers and postings, and manipulating record-checking procedures.

    Numerous complaints were filed against Saeed, accusing him of corruption and unethical practices. These complaints have been lodged with several authorities, including the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell, the Anti-Corruption Establishment, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and various other forums.

    In spite of the allegations and the evidence put forward, no significant action has been taken up to this point.

    Nevertheless, an investigation into the accusations was initiated by the director general of the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment in 2022. This inquiry also failed to produce any outcomes, allowing Saeed to avoid being held accountable.

    At present, Amir Saeed holds the position of an auditor at Arfa Karim University, although his rank has been reduced from 20 to 17.

  • No social media allowed for Punjab Government employees

    No social media allowed for Punjab Government employees

    The Services and General Administration Department Punjab has issued a letter to government officers restricting them from expressing their personal opinions on social media and commenting on conventional as well as social media.

    In view of the increasing trend of using social media among newly recruited government officers, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on Grade 17 officers, including assistant commissioners, on expressing their opinions on social media and media.
    The letter says that according to the civil services rules, giving statements in the media and social media based on one’s personal opinion is a violation of the rules.

    The letter says, “The young officers of PAS/PMS in BS-17, posted against various slots in the field as well as in the Secretariat, are considered as the face of the Provincial Government. However, it has been observed with grave-concern that these officers often engage themselves with social media i.e. Websites, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Microblogging, TikTok, YouTube etc, without taking into consideration of its fall out amongst public at large, especially using the social media in official capacity.”

    It further states, “Often, the views/ comments/ conduct/ personal opinion of the officers, may either harm the national security; or offend public order, decency or morality; or amount to contempt of court or defamation or incitement to an offence; or propagate sectarian creeds and capable of embarrassing the government, which is tantamount to misconduct and inefficiency under the rules.”

    It also warned that strict action will be taken against those violating the instructions.

  • Punjab food department ceases wheat quota subsidy 

    Punjab food department ceases wheat quota subsidy 

    The Punjab Food Department has decided to discontinue a substantial subsidy programme linked to the allocation of government wheat quotas. 

    Officials responsible for this matter have informed the media that the government has set the price of wheat at Rs3,900 per maund, with the distribution of wheat from the government quota to flour mills commencing on October 15th.  

    Within the framework of the government quota, wheat will be made available to 1,000 operational flour mills at a rate of Rs4,450 per maund.  

    In the wake of the issuance of government wheat quotas, a 20-kilogramme bag of flour will be retailed at Rs2,600, while in the open market, the same 20-kilogramme bag of flour is currently selling for Rs2,750.  

    These officials have also disclosed that the Punjab Food Department currently maintains a wheat stockpile of over 40 lakh tonnes.  

    Read more: IMF urges Pakistan to increase taxation on the rich and ‘protect the poor’ 

    In June, the Punjab Food Department had temporarily halted the allocation of wheat quotas to flour mills, opting instead to conduct wheat auctions in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).  

    As reported by ARY News, the Punjab Food Secretary mentioned that mill owners are eligible to participate in these auctions.  

    Furthermore, the provincial government is contemplating the provision of direct subsidies on flour, with these measures aimed at curbing any irregularities associated with the allocation of wheat quotas. 

  • Sugar price expected to drop below Rs150 per kg

    Sugar price expected to drop below Rs150 per kg

    The Punjab caretaker government successfully resolved the issue of high sugar prices in the country through negotiations with sugar mill owners. 

    A delegation from the sugar mill owners met with Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi. Both sides agreed to start sugarcane crushing on October 28. 

    According to ARY, sugar mill owners agreed to sell sugar to the Punjab government at Rs140 per kilogramme, and the provincial government planned to distribute the sugar stocks through special stalls in model markets.

    CM Naqvi acknowledged the financial difficulties faced by citizens and promised to lower sugar prices to provide relief.

    Despite the commerce ministry denying any sugar shortages, prices had surged to over Rs200 per kilogramme in various cities across the country. 

    This led citizens in Quetta and Sukkur to buy sugar at Rs220 per kg, while Karachi markets sold it for Rs180 to Rs200 per kg. 

    Similarly, sugar prices rose to Rs195 to Rs200/kg in Lahore, Jhang, and Faisalabad.

    Previously, it was reported that sugar prices reached a record high of Rs220 per kg in Balochistan’s retail markets. 

    Authorities initiated an investigation into the price increase and tightened scrutiny on sugar mill owners and dealers in Lahore. The Punjab government planned to take action to reduce the soaring sugar prices.

  • Punjab govt set to spend Rs2.3 billion on new cars for officials

    Punjab govt set to spend Rs2.3 billion on new cars for officials

    In a recent development, the caretaker government of Punjab has taken a decision to acquire 200 new vehicles at a total cost of Rs2.3 billion, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money on luxury vehicles for bureaucrats.

    According to reliable sources, the financing for this purchase will be drawn from the tax revenue contributed by the public, prompting scrutiny over the allocation of such a substantial amount for the benefit of government officials.

    A letter has been issued requesting the release of advance funds from the finance ministry to facilitate the acquisition process. The Assistant Commissioners throughout Punjab are slated to get Toyota Corolla Altis 1600cc vehicles, while Deputy Commissioners in each district will be given Toyota Yaris. At the Tehsil level, Assistant Commissioners will be provided with Double Cabin vehicles, as per an official notification.

    However, amidst this decision, a concerned citizen has taken legal action by filing a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking the removal of Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and his cabinet members from office. The petitioner argues that the caretaker government’s term has exceeded its constitutional mandate.

    The petitioner contends that although the Supreme Court has extended the election date in the province, it has not extended the tenure of the caretaker government. Consequently, the continued occupation of office by Caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi and his cabinet is perceived as a breach of the constitution and raises questions about its constitutional legitimacy.

    As the situation unfolds, public attention remains focused on the utilisation of public funds for bureaucratic privileges, while the legal challenge adds further complexity to the already contentious political landscape in Punjab.

  • Jail reforms: Bakeries to be established in Punjab prisons

    Jail reforms: Bakeries to be established in Punjab prisons

    The Punjab care-taker government has decided to decision has been made to establish bakeries in prisons across Punjab to enroll the inmates in different courses.

    The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.

    During the meeting, it was decided to initiate a program for setting up bakeries in prisons with the cooperation of volunteers.


    During the meeting, it was decided that in the initial phase, a bakery will be established in Lahore’s Camp Jail.

    According to the decisions made in the meeting, the duration of monthly telephone calls for prisoners has been increased to 300 minutes.

    Modern kitchens, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, and facilities will be built in 16 jails.


    Toyota and the Jail Department have also reached an agreement to provide technical courses to prisoners in 10 more jails.

    Chief Operating Officer of Toyota, Ahmed Khawar, and Inspector General of Prisons, Farooq Nazir, have signed the agreement.

    Under this agreement, prisoners in 10 additional jails in Punjab will undergo 16 Toyota courses.

    Upon completion of the courses lasting from 3 to 6 months, prisoners will be awarded certificates, and leniency may be granted in their sentences.

  • ‘Public should NOT believe in these lies’: Punjab Govt responds to Imran Khan’s allegation of women being harassed in jails

    The Government of Punjab has responded to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan’s allegation of female supporters of his party being harassed in jails.


    “It’s not a surprise that one political party is spreading baseless lies about mistreatment of women in custody for attacks on public/military buildings,” a tweet from the official Twitter account of Punjab Govt read.


    “Everyone in Punjab jails is being dealt with under relevant laws and the public should NOT believe in these lies. Law-enforcing agencies are making sure that all culprits of May 9 attacks are captured and tried as per applicable laws. No one should pay heed to yet another misinformation campaign by a political party.”

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, in a address to the nation on Sunday, claimed that he has received reports that women belonging to his party are being harassed in jails.

    He requested the judiciary to take suo motu action against the arrests.
    While talking about the people leaving his party, Imran said that those quitting the party had been threatened and pressurised to do so.

  • PSL 8: Eight CCTV cameras installed for security stolen from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium

    PSL 8: Eight CCTV cameras installed for security stolen from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium

    Several CCTV cameras, generator batteries, and fiber cables were stolen from Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The cameras, reportedly worth millions of rupees, were installed to monitor the Pakistan Super League (PSL 8) Lahore leg matches.

    The batteries of the generators that were installed for lighting in the stadium were also found missing. The theft has resulted in two cases being registered against the culprits at the Gulberg police station.

    It is important to mention that security measures for cricket matches held in Lahore have always been strict, particularly following the tragic terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

     The team was on their way from their hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium when the attack occurred, resulting in six players being wounded, along with six security personnel and two civilians losing their lives.

  • PSL 8: Karachi emerges as potential host city amid bill dispute

    PSL 8: Karachi emerges as potential host city amid bill dispute

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued an ultimatum to the Punjab government regarding the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches scheduled to be held in the province.

    Sources indicate that the PCB is contemplating relocating the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi after receiving a bill of Rs450 million from the provincial government, which the PCB and PSL franchises have unanimously decided not to pay.

    If the bill is not waived before the deadline tomorrow, the matches will be officially moved to Karachi. A meeting between PCB and the Punjab government is scheduled for later today to address the matter.

    The PCB has reportedly started preparations for holding additional matches in Karachi, and the revised schedule has been discussed with the franchises. The deadlock may also result in white-ball matches between Pakistan and New Zealand in April and May being moved out of Punjab.

    Currently, Rawalpindi is set to host 11 fixtures and Lahore nine matches, including the closing ceremony, playoffs, and the final. The victorious team will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also receive a cheque of Rs120 million, while the runners-up will receive Rs48 million.

    Lahore Qalandars will attempt to achieve a back-to-back title win, while Islamabad United will strive to become the most successful side by winning the trophy for the third time.

  • Sheikh Rasheed booked in another case for speaking against Bilawal

    Sheikh Rasheed booked in another case for speaking against Bilawal

    Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief and Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has been booked in another case in Karachi for allegedly using inappropriate language against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

    On Thursday, Rasheed was handed over on a two-day physical remand for accusing former President Asif Ali Zardari of plotting an assassination attempt on Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    In the early hours of February 2, Rasheed was arrested from his home in Islamabad.

    Islamabad court grants 2-day physical remand of Sheikh Rasheed

    An Islamabad court on Thursday granted police two-day physical remand of Ahmed, hours after the politicians was arrested in connection with remarks he made against Zardari.

    ‘My crime is that I’m standing with Khan’: Rasheed arrested for levelling allegations against Zardari

    Rasheed was arrested late last night after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Rawalpindi Division President Raja Inayat Ur Rehman filed a case against him in Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station for alleging that Zardari was hatching a plot to assassinate the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan.

    The FIR said that Rasheed’s allegations were designed to get PTI and the PPP to fight each other, disrupting the country’s peace.

    Three sections — 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) — have been added to the FIR.

    Talking to the media after his arrest, Rasheed said he feared for his life.

    “My crime is that I’m standing with Imran Khan,” he said at the Polyclinic hospital in Islamabad, where he was taken for a medical checkup.

    “I have been a minister 16 times. Never for a single time, I have been charged with corruption in these ministries,” he added.

    Rasheed alleged that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah is behind his arrest.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the arrest of his close aide and blamed the interim Punjab government — Moshin Naqvi — of being biased.

    “Question is can Pak afford a street movement which we are being pushed towards at a time when Imported Govt has bankrupted us?” he asked.

    Khan in January alleged that Zardari was hatching as well as financing a plot to assassinate him, for which the ex-president had hired “terrorists”.

    “…there’s a Plan C. Asif Zardari is behind it. He has amassed a lot of money through corruption and he has invested that money in terrorists and hired a militant organisation,” the PTI chief had alleged. However, the PPP strongly denied the claim and served a legal notice to Khan.