NAB recovers Rs2bn in PHED mega scam

By Sher Ali Khalti
June 21, 2025
The building of the National Accountability Bureau Lahore. — APP/File
The building of the National Accountability Bureau Lahore. — APP/File

LAHORE : The NAB Lahore investigation team, under the supervision of NAB Lahore Director General Ghulam Safdar Shah, has successfully completed a major recovery of Rs2 billion in an ongoing probe pertaining to a mega corruption scandal involving officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Sheikhupura.

The NAB Lahore DG formally handed over first installment of the recovered amount to Additional Secretary Finance, Punjab Khalid Mehmood in NAB office, Lahore. According to the details, NAB Lahore launched inquiry proceedings in September 2024 pertaining to the issuance of bogus cheques worth Rs5 billion (approx.) by the officers and staff of the Public Health Engineering and District Accounts Office, Sheikhupura.

During the inquiry proceedings, some of the accused persons confessed to their crimes and filed plea bargain requests of Rs2 billion, which were duly approved by Accountability Court, Lahore.

Following court approval, the bureau succeeded to ensure recovery within a short period and the initial tranche of the recovered amount has been submitted into the national treasury.

NAB Lahore DG commended the exceptional performance of the investigation team, noting that the recovery of looted public funds in such a short time reflected team's commitment and competence.

He further stated that the investigations are actively underway against other accused persons involved in alleged embezzlement of public funds.

Ghulam Safdar emphasised that providing immediate relief to common citizens is NAB’s top priority and all possible measures are being taken for this purpose. He added that in order to recover and distribute the looted amounts to the rightful victims, the process of auctioning-off seized properties of the accused persons has been initiated.

In this regard, a public auction of valuable confiscated properties was held at the Deputy Commissioner Office, Lahore on Friday and the auction of seized assets will continue in other districts as well as per given schedule.