FAISALABAD: Investigators probing alleged financial irregularities exceeding Rs1 billion in the Suthra Punjab Programme have recovered cash and assets worth more than Rs400 million from the accused arrested in the case, according to sources in the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE).
Eight suspects were taken into custody after the registration of a case alleging large-scale corruption in the cleanliness programme. During the initial phase of the investigation, authorities recovered assets valued at over Rs400 million, including cash, residential properties, commercial plots and luxury vehicles.
Major Recovery from Contractor
The largest recovery was made from Rai Qamaruzman, contractor and one of the principal accused in the case. Sources claimed that during preliminary interrogation, he disclosed the existence of Rs80 million in cash at his residence, which was subsequently recovered by investigators. The contractor also identified a plot in Lahore's Defence Housing Authority (DHA), valued at more than Rs120 million, which was included among the recovered assets.
Investigators further alleged that several other accused had acquired expensive vehicles, houses and plots after the launch of the Suthra Punjab Programme. These properties and vehicles have also been seized and added to the recovery amount. One suspect allegedly purchased a luxury vehicle worth over Rs10 million shortly before the investigation began.
Total Recovery and Future Challenges
Sources said the total recovery made so far ranges between Rs400 million and Rs500 million, including both movable and immovable assets. However, questions have emerged regarding the future course of the investigation, as all arrested suspects have already been sent to judicial custody. According to sources, further physical remand is unlikely, potentially limiting additional recoveries despite allegations involving more than Rs1 billion in corruption.
Investigators have also reportedly examined allegations linking the son of a former member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Faisalabad to the case. Sources claimed he allegedly received monthly payments of Rs300,000 from individuals associated with the programme. No formal charges against him have been announced.
Case Registration and Allegations
The case was registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment on a complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Suthra Punjab Agency Faisalabad. The complaint alleged that between November 2024 and April 2026, financial irregularities amounting to approximately Rs1 billion were committed by contractor Qamar in alleged collusion with eight officers and officials of the agency.
According to the FIR, investigators found evidence of manipulation of digital records related to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The inquiry alleged that 2,317 waste containers were shown in official records, whereas only 1,717 were physically present. The FIR further claimed that instead of the required waste management fleet, only 48 loader rickshaws were deployed in place of dumpers. Investigators also alleged that salaries were fraudulently drawn for 633 ghost sanitation workers. The inquiry report stated that officials inflated performance scores by reporting three temporary collection points and 118 waste enclosures, while physical verification allegedly found only 33 enclosures.
