Faisalabad education officer suspended over alleged financial irregularities

The Punjab School Education Department has suspended Deputy District Officer (DO) Education City Muhammad Shakeel over alleged financial irregularities amounting to more than Rs1.1 million and initiated proceedings against him under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act.

According to an initial inquiry report, irregularities amounting to more than Rs1.1 million were detected at the Deputy DO Education Office in Faisalabad. The report cited alleged misuse of funds, submission of fake bills and violations of prescribed rules and procedures.

The inquiry found that 13 separate contingency bills had been awarded to the same company. It also alleged that some payments were made before work commenced, and that financial irregularities were identified in construction and repair projects, including payments for incomplete work.

The report revealed alleged irregularities amounting to Rs818,000 under the contingency grant, Rs257,000 under Faisal funds and Rs90,000 related to office renovation and repair works.

Based on the findings, the inquiry recommended action against the concerned officers under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006, and the relevant PEPARA rules.

Following the recommendations, Secretary, School Education, Mudassar Riaz Malik, issued a notification suspending Muhammad Shakeel and directing him to report to the Punjab Education Department. An inquiry has also been formally initiated against the suspended officer under the PED Act.

Reporter: Jahangir Ashraf