RAWALPINDI: Punjab Auqaf Department Secretary and Chief Administrator Dr Ehsan Bhutta has reiterated the Punjab Government’s unwavering resolve to ensure transparent administration, efficient management of Auqaf assets, and strengthened institutional governance through accountability, professionalism, and effective monitoring across all levels of the department.

He expressed these views while chairing a high-level review meeting during his visit to the Rawalpindi Auqaf Offices, where detailed deliberations were held on pattajaat (leased lands), contractual affairs, revenue targets, recoveries, and overall departmental performance.

The meeting comprehensively reviewed the progress of ongoing administrative initiatives and discussed strategies aimed at enhancing revenue generation and operational efficiency.

During the meeting, Zonal Administrator Rawalpindi Ayaz Lashari, Manager Rawalpindi Mirza Yasir, and Manager Jhelum Zahid Iqbal presented detailed briefings regarding auctions, contract recoveries, and financial performance for the fiscal year 2026–27.

According to the official figures presented during the session, in the leased lands sector, against a total budget target of Rs3.49 million the department achieved a recovery balance of Rs2.8 million, reflecting an 92 percent target completion by June.

The recovery included Rs1.6 million in expanded recoveries, Rs1.050 million from previous auction meetings, and Rs132,950 collected during May, while the remaining target balance stood at Rs398,810.

Similarly, in the auctions and contracts sector, against a budget target of Rs32 million, the department registered total recoveries amounting to Rs19.7 million, achieving 62 percent of the estimated target.

After reviewing the performance figures, Dr Ehsan Bhutta stated that the Auqaf Department bears a vital responsibility in safeguarding religious endowment properties and ensuring their transparent and effective utilization for public welfare.

Appreciating the 92 percent recovery in the pattajaat sector, he directed the concerned officers to accelerate efforts for achieving the remaining targets in contract management, adopt modern administrative practices, maintain strict financial discipline, and ensure timely completion of all assigned benchmarks.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026