An alleged corruption scandal involving the transfer of more than 4,000 vehicles to other individuals through fake biometric verification has surfaced in the Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, prompting the department to order a formal inquiry against 11 serving officers and officials.
The inquiry concerns alleged financial irregularities, procedural violations and the use of forged powers of attorney in vehicle ownership transfers. It follows observations recorded in an Audit Inspection Report covering two periods: January 1 to March 7, 2024, and March 8 to August 20, 2024.
According to the inquiry order issued by Secretary Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Masood Mukhtar, Director (BS-19) Muhammad Asif has been appointed as the inquiry officer under Sections 5 and 9 of the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act, 2006. Excise and Taxation Inspector Ghulam Mohyuddin of Region-C, Lahore, has been designated as the departmental representative to assist the inquiry proceedings and provide relevant official records.
The inquiry officer has been directed to complete proceedings and submit a detailed report along with recommendations within 60 days. According to the allegations detailed in the inquiry order, several Motor Registering Authorities (MRAs) and Excise and Taxation Inspectors (ETIs) processed hundreds of vehicle ownership transfer cases without referring them to the Divisional Committee, in violation of standard operating procedures issued on March 7, 2024.
Under the prescribed procedures, cases involving Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) and designated ownership transfers were required to be referred to the constituted Divisional Committee for scrutiny before approval. The audit also identified cases in which vehicle transfers were allegedly processed using forged powers of attorney purportedly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa).
The department has emphasized that strict disciplinary action will be taken against all individuals found culpable during the course of the inquiry. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of revenue loss and identify any external actors involved in the network.
The Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for corruption across all administrative departments.